Virtual world property disposition after real-world occurrence

ABSTRACT

A method and system provides transactions and arrangements in virtual world environments. A user can participate in transactions to acquire virtual property and related virtual rights. In some implementations, real-world and virtual parties can be involved in possible transfers of various types of virtual property and virtual property rights.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to, claims the earliest availableeffective filing date(s) from (e.g., claims earliest available prioritydates for other than provisional patent applications; claims benefitsunder 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patent applications), andincorporates by reference in its entirety all subject matter of theherein listed application(s) to the extent such subject matter is notinconsistent herewith; the present application also claims the earliestavailable effective filing date(s) from, and also incorporates byreference in its entirety all subject matter of any and all parent,grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the herein listedapplication(s) to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistentherewith. The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a noticeto the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patentapplicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether anapplication is a continuation or continuation in part. The presentapplicant entity has provided below a specific reference to theapplication(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited bystatute. Applicant entity understands that the statute is unambiguous inits specific reference language and does not require either a serialnumber or any characterization such as “continuation” or“continuation-in-part.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant entityunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence applicant entity is designating the presentapplication as a continuation in part of its parent applications, butexpressly points out that such designations are not to be construed inany way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or notthe present application contains any new matter in addition to thematter of its parent application(s).

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of the followingcurrently co-pending commonly owned United States patent applications.The subject matter of the applications listed below are incorporated byreference in their entirety in the present application to the extentsuch subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

Ser. No. 11/051,514 filed on Feb. 4, 2005, entitled “Virtual Credit InSimulated Environments”, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, MarkA. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors.

Ser. No. 11/069,906 filed on Feb. 28, 2005, entitled “Hybrid ChargeAccount for Virtual World Credit”, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A.Levien, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors.

Ser. No. 11/096,265 filed Mar. 30, 2005, entitled “Virtual Credit withTransferability”, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A.Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors.

Ser. No. 11/184,567 filed Jul. 18, 2005, entitled “Third Party ControlOver Virtual World Characters”, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A.Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. asinventors.

Ser. No. 11/213,442 filed on Aug. 26, 2005, entitled “Virtual WorldEscrow User Interface”, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors.

Ser. No. 11,228,043 filed on Sep. 15, 2005, entitled “Real WorldInteraction with Virtual World Privileges”, naming Edward K. Y. Jung,Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo,Jr. as inventors.

Ser. No. ______ filed Sep. 29, 2005, entitled “Probability Adjustment ofa Virtual World Loss Event”, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors,attorney docket number 0305-003-054-000000.

The present application is also related to the following commonly ownedco-pending United States patent application filed on the same filingdate as the present application. The subject matter of the applicationlisted below is incorporated by reference in its entirety in the presentapplication to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistentherewith.

Ser. No. ______ filed on Oct. ______, 2005, entitled “Virtual WorldProperty Disposition After Virtual World Occurrence”, naming Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, attorney docket number 0305-003-050B-000000.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to transactions in virtual worldenvironments.

BACKGROUND

Virtual world environments often include imaginary charactersparticipating in fictional events, activities and transactions. Thereare educational and entertainment benefits in creating new andchallenging ways to relate virtual world environments with real-worldentities.

SUMMARY

Method and systems for acquiring something of potential value in avirtual world environment as disclosed herein may take different forms.For example, one or more computer program products having processinstructions may be incorporated in a computerized system.

Some system embodiments provide a computer-implemented system thatincludes a virtual world in which a patron of the virtual world mayparticipate and acquire a transferable right regarding a virtual aspector attribute. Additional features may include a module to facilitateauthorizing a disposition of the transferable right to a designatedsuccessor party, which disposition will be triggered by a real-worlddeath of the patron. An additional feature may includes a record of anyrequired information including an applicable term or condition requiredfor the disposition to occur.

Some implementations disclosed herein include a method of resolvingvirtual world property ownership, including identifying a virtual worldproperty right in a multi-player virtual world environment, whichvirtual world property right has been acquired by a real-world party;establishing confirmation that the real-world party is deceased; and inresponse to such confirmation, transferring the virtual world propertyright to a designated successor party.

Some embodiments are implemented in a computer program product havingone or more computer programs for executing a computer process thatprovides a virtual world environment where a participant is enabled tointeract with another participant or with a non-player entity; and thatfacilitates an arrangement to transfer a virtual property right to adesignated successor party, which transfer is contingent upon areal-world death of the participant. Another process feature may includemaking a record of the arrangement to transfer.

Additional features may be incorporated in a method of enabling transferof a virtual world property right, including providing a procedure fortransferring a virtual world property right pursuant to authorizationfrom a virtual world patron, which authorization is effective upon areal-world death of the virtual world patron. The method may furtherinclude maintaining a record of the authorization, confirming thereal-world death of the virtual world patron, and transferring thevirtual world property right to a successor party designated by thevirtual world patron.

The virtual world transactions which are disclosed herein for purposesof illustration may be entered into by many different types ofparticipants and/or entities, depending on advantages arising fromembodiments and implementations that may be desired by the parties,credit entities, the players, virtual environment owner, game worldoperator, third party virtual and real-world businesses, and othershaving an interest or involvement in the virtual credit arrangements.

Additional features, aspects and benefits will be understood by thoseskilled in the art from the following drawings and detailed descriptionfor various exemplary and preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a high level flow chart showing an exemplary process for someembodiments.

FIG. 2 is another high level flow chart showing a different exemplaryprocess for other embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a more detailed flow chart showing a further exemplary processfor additional embodiments.

FIG. 4 is another more detailed flow chart showing an exemplaryapplication process for a virtual charge card.

FIG. 5 is a detailed flow chart showing an exemplary manner of using avirtual charge card.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram for an exemplary implementation ofsome embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing exemplary categories ofinformational data that may be involved in some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a schematic functional diagram showing a possibleimplementation in a simulated environment with role playing characters.

FIG. 9 is a schematic functional diagram for an exemplary system thatembodies various features.

FIG. 10 is a more detailed schematic functional diagram for someembodiments that incorporate virtual charge cards and real-world chargecards.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram for certain embodiments implementedfor one or more users sharing a computer system.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram for possible implementationsinvolving different virtual world environments accessed via exemplarytypes of communication links.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment providingplayer access via the Internet to a virtual network of separatelyoperated virtual world environments.

FIG. 14 shows exemplary types of database records related to real-worldand virtual world credit transactions.

FIGS. 15A through 15E schematically illustrate some exemplaryimplementations of virtual credit arrangements in a simulatedenvironment.

FIGS. 16 through 25 are flow charts illustrating different exemplaryprocesses for implementing various embodiments of financial venturesinvolving virtual credit arrangements as disclosed herein.

FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram for an exemplary simulated worldenvironment that includes an implementation of database records forplayer transactions.

FIG. 27A illustrates exemplary database records for a player's virtualworld game account status.

FIG. 27B illustrates exemplary database records for virtual credittransaction transfer records.

FIG. 27C illustrates exemplary database records for performance benefitsand penalties associated with virtual credit transactions.

FIGS. 28A and 28B schematically illustrate different implementations ofpossible credit levels in an exemplary virtual game world.

FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram for an exemplary virtual worldwherein a participant debtor obligation and/or a participant creditorright may be transferable to another party.

FIG. 30 is a schematic timing diagram illustrating possible virtualcredit opportunities for player interaction in a virtual worldenvironment with other players and/or entities and/or links.

FIGS. 31-34 are high level flow charts showing exemplary processes forsome embodiments.

FIGS. 35-36 are high level flow charts showing exemplary processesincorporated in a computer program product.

FIGS. 37-42 are more detailed flow charts showing additional exemplaryprocesses for some embodiments.

FIG. 43 is a schematic block diagram showing a computerized embodiment.

FIG. 44 is another schematic block diagram for an exemplary computerizedimplementation.

FIG. 45 shows a schematic illustration for a network embodiment.

FIG. 46 shows a schematic block diagram for a network embodiment.

FIG. 47 shows another possible aspect of the embodiment of FIG. 46.

FIGS. 48-49 are high level flow charts for exemplary processembodiments.

FIG. 50 is a flow chart for a computer program product embodiment.

FIGS. 51-57 are more detailed flow charts for various exemplary processembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where there is little distinction leftbetween hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; theuse of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that incertain contexts the choice between hardware and software can becomesignificant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs.Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologiesdescribed herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/orfirmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context inwhich the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies aredeployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed andaccuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardwareand/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies describedherein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to theother in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon thecontext in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns(e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any ofwhich may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that opticalaspects of implementations will typically employ optically-orientedhardware, software, and or firmware.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein,and thereafter use standard engineering practices to integrate suchdescribed devices and/or processes into data processing systems. Thatis, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes described hereincan be integrated into a data processing system via a reasonable amountof experimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that atypical data processing system generally includes one or more of asystem unit housing, a video display device, a memory such as volatileand non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors and digitalsignal processors, computational entities such as operating systems,drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications programs, one ormore interaction devices, such as a touch pad or screen, and/or controlsystems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback forsensing position and/or velocity; control motors for moving and/oradjusting components and/or quantities). A typical data processingsystem may be implemented utilizing any suitable commercially availablecomponents, such as those typically found in datacomputing/communication and/or network computing/communication systems.

The herein described aspects and drawings illustrate differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can beimplemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or“operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality,and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewedas being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but arenot limited to physically mateable and/or physically interactingcomponents and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interactingcomponents and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactablecomponents.

As described in more detail herein, this disclosure describes a methodand system for a virtual credit arrangement that enables a user to havesimulated credit transactions. Feedback is communicated to the userregarding results of the simulated credit transactions. Responsive tothe simulated credit transactions, the user is provided an option ofengaging in real-world financial transactions related to the virtualcredit arrangement.

In one aspect of the method and system disclosed herein, a virtualaccount is provided to a user. The user is enabled to make simulatedpurchases of foods and/or services and/or items of value. The userreceives feedback regarding results of the simulated purchases.Responsive to an experience of making the simulated purchases andreceiving the feedback, a transition by the user to usage of an actualfinancial account is facilitated. A further aspect relates to selectionof credit terms for simulated purchases of virtual goods and/or servicesand/or items of value. In some embodiments, certain virtual accountterms are programmed—e.g. automatically by a machine under programcontrol—based on user demographic information or other past performancerecords. In other embodiments certain virtual account terms are variedby the user.

In some embodiments, users are enabled to make simulated purchases orincur simulated credit obligations that are posted to virtual accounts,and users are enabled to make simulated compensation against balancesdue or obligations owed for virtual accounts. In some instances, usersare enabled to make remuneration with something of real value. In otherinstances, users are enabled to make remuneration with something ofvirtual value.

The completion of performance benchmarks may be required in someembodiments before allowing transfer to a higher participation level ofa virtual credit account. Completion of performance benchmarks may berequired before facilitating transition of a user to an actual financialaccount. In some instances, a user may have an unrestricted option tomake transition to an actual financial account.

In some implementations, the system and method provides a simulatedenvironment that enables purchases of various virtual products and/orvirtual services and/or virtual items to be made by a plurality of usersat different locations. Such purchases may involve credit transactionsbased on role playing world activities.

Referring to a process 110 shown in the exemplary flow chart of FIG. 1,a virtual credit arrangement is provided in order to enable a user tohave simulated credit transactions (block 112). Feedback is communicatedto the user regarding results of the simulated financial transactions(block 114). Responsive to the simulated credit transactions, the useris provided with an option of engaging in real-world financialtransactions (block 116) related to the virtual credit arrangement. Asdiscussed in more detail herein, such virtual credit arrangements caninvolve various types of credit arrangements made by the user, understandard or customized credit terms that may involve different forms ofcompensation such as real-world money, fictional money, actioncommitments, bartered items, etc.

Another process 120 shown in the exemplary flow chart of FIG. 2 providesa virtual account to a user (block 122). The user is enabled to makesimulated purchases of goods and/or services and/or items of value thatare charged to the virtual account (block 124). The user receivesfeedback (block 126) regarding results of the simulated purchases.Responsive to the user's experience of making simulated purchases andreceiving feedback, a transition of the user to usage of an actualaccount is facilitated (block 128).

The processes of FIGS. 1 and 2 can be implemented with various types oftechnology, including but not limited to hardware, firmware and/orsoftware systems based on computerized data communications andprocessing as discussed in more detail herein.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of theembodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in standard integratedcircuits, and also as one or more computer programs running on one ormore computers, and also as one or more software programs running on oneor more processors, and also as firmware, as well as virtually anycombination thereof. It will be further understood that designing thecircuitry and/or writing the code for the software and/or firmware couldbe accomplished by a person skilled in the art in light of the teachingsand explanations of this disclosure.

A more detailed exemplary flow chart of FIG. 3 shows a process 130involving alternative usage of both a virtual credit account and areal-world account. As an initial step for new users, a virtual creditaccount is provided to an authorized user (block 132). The authorizeduser is enabled to simulated purchases of goods or services or items atpredetermined values (block 134). The value of the purchases is postedto an account record (block 135). Periodic feedback including statusinformation is made available to the authorized user regarding thevirtual credit account record (block 136).

Various levels of participation are provided for usage of the virtualcredit account. Of course any number of levels with different types ofcredit opportunities for virtual account usage could be incorporatedinto embodiments, perhaps depending upon the desired financial,educational, and entertainment goals of a system designer as well aspossibly depending upon the skill, experience and sophistication of theauthorized user. By way of example only, the illustrated process 130 ofFIG. 3 includes an introductory level (block 138), an intermediate level(block 140) and a higher level (block 142). After participating in oneor more levels of virtual account usage, an authorized user is given anoption to have financial transactions with an actual real-world account(block 144). The authorized user may choose to continue (see arrow 146)using the virtual credit account, or take the option (see arrow 148) fortransition to the actual real-world account. In some embodiments, theuser may have an unrestricted option to make the transition to theactual real-world account. Some embodiments may allow the user to havethe option of using either the virtual credit account or an actualfinancial account during given time periods.

If the option for transition to the actual real-world account isexercised, the transition of the authorized user is facilitated from thevirtual credit account to the actual real-world account (block 150). Theauthorized user can then be enabled to make financial transactions withthe actual real-world account (block 152). Aspects of usage of thereal-world account may be monitored (block 154) in order to providefeedback to the authorized user. It is to be emphasized that usage ofthe real-world account does not preclude continued use of the virtualcredit account. If the authorized user wants to continue use of thevirtual credit account (block 156), then such continued use is madeavailable. Continued use of the real-world account is also madeavailable (see arrow 160).

The detailed exemplary flow chart of FIG. 4 shows a process 180 forimplementing an application procedure for a virtual charge card. Aperson who is not already an authorized user can make application (block182) for a virtual charge card. An evaluation or screening confirmswhether or not the person meets predetermined criteria (block 184) forhaving the virtual charge card. Persons that do not meet the criteriaare rejected (block 186). When a person does meet the criteria, theirapplication is accepted and a user ID established (block 188).

In some instances the virtual card features such as credit terms,payment terms, penalties, benefits, and the like may be selected by theuser (block 190). In other instances a program may select the virtualcard features (block 192), which features may be determined from storedapplication data (block 194) that is evaluated by the program (block196). The virtual card features that are selected for each user arestored (block 198) for future reference. Where virtual account terms fora virtual card are being programmed for a new user, such programming maybe based on user demographic information.

As part of the application procedure, a fee schedule and virtual cardrules are presented to the user (block 200) for consideration. In orderto continue the application process, the user decides whether to agreeto the rules and applicable fees (block 202). If no agreement occurs(see arrow 204), the user ID is canceled (block 206), and thecancellation is entered (block 208) for storage with the otherapplication data. If agreement is confirmed (see arrow 210), the user IDis added to the approved list (blocks 212, 214) that controls the accessto virtual credit transactions involving the virtual credit cards, andthe acceptance is also entered (block 214) for storage with the otherapplication data.

A further feature offered to an approved user is the optional issuanceof a hardcopy version of the virtual account card (block 216), and alsothe optional issuance of an electronic version of the virtual accountcard (block 218).

The detailed exemplary flow chart of FIG. 5 shows a process 220 forincorporating benchmark completion as a basis for giving an authorizeduser the option of having access to an actual financial account. Aperson is requested to enter the user ID (block 221) of a virtual chargecard. The user ID is processed (block 222) to determine whether it is onan updated approved list (block 224). If not found on the updatedapproved list, the user ID is rejected (block 226). If found on theupdate approved list, the user ID is approved for logon to have accessto a simulated environment (block 228).

A determination may be made to detect a user ID that is a first-timepurchaser (block 230). If so, purchase opportunities are made availableto the user ID at a beginner level (block 232). Any purchases and/orpayments involving the virtual charge card are stored (block 234) aspart of a performance data base for future reference. In some instances,revised virtual account terms for the virtual charge card may beprogrammed based on past performance records maintained in theperformance data base. The virtual account status is periodicallycommunicated to the user (block 236). There is no urgency imposed on theuser to advance to another participation level, and user logoff (block238) is available from the beginner level.

A user at the beginner level in this embodiment qualifies foradvancement to another participation level when it has been determinedthat such user has met predetermined benchmark standards (block 240) forcompletion of the beginner level (block 242). Upon failure to meet sucha beginner level benchmark standard, the user can return (see arrow 244)to purchase opportunities at the beginner level. In the event thebeginner level benchmarks standards have been met, the user ID is giventhe option for purchase opportunities at higher levels (block 246). Userlogoff (block 248) is also available to exit from such higher levels.

When an approved user ID is not a first-time purchaser, a query is made(block 250) to check the stored past performance data (block 234) ascompared to the stored benchmark standards (block 240) for thisparticular user ID. Based on the results of the query, purchaseopportunities are provided at the appropriate participation level (block252), along with a previously described user ID logoff (block 254). Anypurchases and/or payments involving virtual credit transactions at thesehigher participation levels are also stored (see arrow 256) in theperformance data base (block 234). The virtual account status is alsoperiodically communicated (block 236) to the users at these higherparticipation levels.

When a review (block 258) determines that benchmark standards forcompletion at higher levels have not been met, the user can return (seearrow 260) for further purchase opportunities at such higher levels.Upon satisfactory completion of the higher level benchmark standards,the user has an option for access to an actual financial account (block262). It is noted that this process embodiment provides for the issuanceof periodic optional statements (block 264) indicating the status of thevirtual charge card accounts.

Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 6, an exemplaryembodiment of an integrated virtual credit system 300 includes aprocessor 302, memory device 304, user interface 306, feedback module308, and virtual credit program 310. A plurality of authorized users 312who may be at different locations have bi-directional communicationlinks 314 with the virtual credit system 300 in order to submit inputsvia the user interface 306 and to receive informational messages fromthe feedback module 308. The virtual credit program 310 may include oneor more computer program products with a carrier medium having programinstructions thereon. Such computer program products may run on multiplecomputer devices or run on an integrated computer system, depending onthe circumstances.

The memory device 304 provides re-writable storage capability associatedwith each authorized user 312. The various categories of data stored inthe memory device 304 include user inputs 316, virtual credit parameters318, purchase selections 320, credit transactions status 322, andbenchmark participation levels 324. This system enables multiple usersto make simulated purchases or incur simulated credit obligations thatare associated with and posted to different virtual accounts. Themultiple users are also enabled to make simulated compensation againstbalances due or obligations owed for the different virtual accounts.

The schematic block diagram of FIG. 7 shows an illustrative but notexhaustive list of data categories that can be accessed in the memory304 by the user interface 306 and the feedback module 308. For example,user inputs 316 may include categories such as income/salary, budgetschedule, demographic data, biographical information, educational level,financial, and financial account experience. As an additional example,virtual credit parameters 318 may include categories such as interestrates, variable interest, fixed interest, credit limit, penalties, latepayment fee, minimum periodic payment, payment due date, method ofpayment, cash advance, balance transfers, and account checks. As afurther example, user purchase selections 320 may include categoriessuch as housing, automobile, entertainment, vacations, insurance, food,clothing, appliances, furnishings, and virtual world items.

The schematic block diagram of FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment fora multi-player system implemented in a simulated environment with roleplaying characters. Of course, other types of simulated environmentshave the capability for practicing the disclosed methods and techniques,particularly where multiple players interact with the simulatedenvironment over extended periods of time. In many instances the playerscan logon for a period of participation, and from time to time logoff inorder to carry out their real-world activities and obligations,sometimes perpetuating the fictional role playing over many weeks andmonths.

As shown in FIG. 8, individual players 350 have access via a firstbi-directional communication link 352 to a user interface/feedbackmodule 354 with connects through a second bi-directional communicationlink 356 to a simulated environment 358. Such players can interact witheach other or with characters, events, purchase opportunities,competitions, and the like that are provided in the simulatedenvironment 358. The bi-directional communication links also serve toprovide player access to products and/or services and/or other items ofvalue that can be acquired pursuant to a virtual credit arrangement.

A server 360 includes a processor 362 connected with a memory 364 inorder to receive, store, update, process, and transmit information dataand messages regarding virtual credit arrangements related to thesimulated environment 358. In that regard, various details regardingvirtual credit transactions are transmitted through a thirdcommunication link 366 to the server 360. Similarly various detailsregarding virtual credit remuneration or compensation are transmittedthrough a fourth communication link 368 to the server. Anothercommunication link 369 enables status and feedback information to becommunicated back to the simulated environment 358, and in someinstances back to the players 350.

The schematic block diagram of FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodimentwherein multiple users (e.g., user ID #31 through user ID #39) can usevirtual accounts such as virtual charge cards 370, 372 in order toparticipate in virtual financial transactions. When the virtual chargecard is used, a record of the transaction is transmitted as indicated byarrows 373 for storage in a memory device 374 that keeps records forvirtual credit arrangements. A processor 376 is operatively coupled tothe memory device 374 and also to a transceiver 377 for bi-directionalcommunication regarding the virtual financial transaction through link378 with the users #31 through #39.

These same users #31 through #39 also have access to hybrid actualcharge cards 380, 382 in order to participate in actual real-worldfinancial transactions. When the hybrid actual charge card is used, arecord of the transaction is transmitted as indicated by arrows 383 forstorage in a memory device 385 that keeps records for real financialtransactions. Such real financial transactions may or may not be relatedto a virtual credit arrangement. However in some instances the hybridactual charge card usage may be directly or indirectly related to avirtual credit arrangement, including but not limited to down payments,guarantees, compensation, renegotiation, resolution, transferability,etc. The details of such relationship will be communicated to thevirtual credit arrangements storage memory device 374 as indicated byarrows 384. The bi-directional communication link 378 serves sharedfunctional purposes for both the virtual charge card and the actualcharge card, including but not limited to transmitting messagesregarding credit terms associated with each different user ID account aswell as feedback and status information for purchases, payments,negotiations, remuneration, and resolution involving the virtual creditarrangements.

It will be understood that the processor 376 and bi-directional link 378are also operatively coupled with the memory device 385 in order toprovide bi-directional communication regarding hybrid charge cardtransactions through link 378 with the users #31 through #39. Suchcommunications may include the results or consequences of purchasesand/or payments made regarding the actual charge card transactions. Suchcommunications may also relate to terms of a credit transaction.

It will be further understood that all of the references herein tocommunication links with virtual account users and real-world accountusers may include interactive communications involving question/answersequences, prompt/selection sequences, option/choice sequences, and thelike.

It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the variouscommunication links can be separated into different communicationchannels or media as well as combined into an integrated broadband ornarrowband link such as wired, wireless, cable, etc. It is furtherunderstood that integrated or separate modules can be provided for userinterface functions and/or for feedback functions. The particularexemplary systems disclosed herein are provided only for illustration.

Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 10, a plurality ofpersons 400 (e.g., user #1, user #2 through user #20) have access toboth a virtual charge card server 402 and an actual charge card server404. The disclosed system provides for monitoring any action taken tomake resolution or provide compensation that may be required by avirtual credit arrangement.

The embodiment of FIG. 10 provides a server apparatus including a memoryand a processor for maintaining information regarding credittransactions involving purchases by a user of various virtual productsand/or services and/or virtual items. A bi-directional user interface isprovided for exchanging information messages between the user and theserver apparatus regarding credit terms associated with the purchases.As described in more detail herein, the embodiment of FIG. 10 is anexemplary implementation of a system and method wherein credittransactions are capable of resolution by virtual-world compensation andby real world compensation.

The access shown for the multiple users in FIG. 10 is for purposes ofillustration, and persons skilled in the art will understand thatvarious types of communication links can be utilized to achieve thenecessary functional data and message exchanges between the users andthe computerized data processing and storage systems exemplified by theservers.

Also, various types of virtual credit arrangements and real-worldfinancial accounts can be incorporated into the type of system asdisclosed herein. In some instances, specific terms of a virtual creditarrangement or transaction may be based on one or more factors such asdemographic information, financial account records, experience levels,completion of performance benchmarks, role play world activities, anduser negotiations.

The virtual charge card server 402 includes various predetermined datarecords as well as other dynamically updated records that are used bythe server to help provide virtual credit services based on differenttypes of credit arrangements and accounts. Exemplary categories ofrecords available to the virtual charge card server 402 include user IDdata and related individual virtual card terms 406, user demographicparameters 408, user ID virtual account status data 410 (e.g.,entity/person owed, compensation already received, and remaining balancedue), virtual account statements 412, user ID performance records 414,and benchmark standards for virtual card usage 416.

A bi-directional communication link 418 enables the users 400 to haveaccess for engaging in credit transactions involving virtual products420, virtual services 422, and virtual items 424. When a credittransaction has been completed based on advertised or negotiated terms,the informational details are transmitted via communication link 418 tothe server for appropriate processing and storage. This allows anybalance due or obligation owed to be posted to the user's virtual creditaccount. When remuneration is made by one of the multiple users withsomething of real value against such balances due or obligations owed,such activity is also posted to the appropriate virtual credit account.

The actual charge card server 404 includes various predetermined datarecords as well as other dynamically updated records that are used bythe server to help provide actual credit services based on differenttypes of credit arrangements and accounts. Exemplary categories ofrecords available to the actual charge card server 404 includes adatabase 430 of actual real-world charge cards issued to users by otherssuch as third party issuers, a database 432 for actual special chargecards provided to authorized users, account status records 434 foractual charge cards, and performance records 436 for actual chargecards. These records help to identify actual real-world accountsselected by a user, including the actual special charge cards createdfor the user.

Other categories of records include benchmark standards 438 for actualcharge cards, and variable account terms 440 for actual charge cards.These variable account terms 440 may be divided between exemplary levelssuch as start level accounts 442, intermediate level accounts 444, andadvanced level accounts 446. The actual charge card server 404 mayenable a user to have an option to move between different participationlevels. In some instances completion of performance benchmarks may berequired before allowing the user to move to a high participation level.

Many of the functional capabilities and possibilities attributable tovirtual credit accounts may also be provided to actual hybrid chargecard accounts. For example, the user may be enabled to vary one or moreof the credit terms such as interest rate, due date, grace period,penalties, credit limit, service charge, transferability, weekly ormonthly or annual fees, automatic repayment, payment of otherobligations, monetary advance, re-negotiated debt, and exchange value.

Some of the actual charge cards are primarily suitable for use inpurchasing real-world products 450 and real-world services 452. This mayespecially be true of actual charge cards issued by third parties.However, some actual financial accounts issued by third parties as wellas some actual special cards such as hybrid cards described herein mayalso have capability to purchase or otherwise become involved intransactions related to simulated credit arrangements such as simulatedpurchases of virtual world items 454, virtual world products 456, andvirtual world services 458. As indicated in the drawing, such virtualitems, products and/or services may often be found in a simulatedenvironment such as a role playing fictional world. A bi-directionalcommunication link 460 enables the users to engage in the various credittransactions, and provide for transaction details to be processed by theactual charge card server 404 and stored or updated in the appropriatedatabase.

It will be understood from the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10 that hybridcharge accounts can be associated with a plurality of users,respectively, for use with credit transactions involving purchases ofvarious virtual products and/or virtual services and/or virtual items.Furthermore, an aspect of the disclosed methods and systems for hybridcharge accounts provides for their credit terms to be established orchanged based at least partially on user selections, demographics, userperformance, user experience, and/or benchmark parameters.

The embodiments of FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 further illustrate computerapparatus that provides virtual credit including storing and processingvirtual credit transactions involving products or services or items thatare available in a simulated environment. An interactive communicationlink with the computer apparatus enables a user to participate in thevirtual credit transactions. A user interface is capable of operableconnection to the interactive communication link in order for the userto transmit informational inputs and to make selections that help toprovide a basis for credit terms of the virtual credit transactions.

The interactive communication link also enables the user to makeremuneration of a debt or an obligation resulting from the virtualcredit transactions. Such remuneration may be in the form of real-worldmoney or fictional-world money.

Based on the foregoing descriptions and drawing disclosures of exemplaryembodiments, many new and advantageous features provide benefit to thevirtual credit account users, as well as benefits to the entities thatprovide financial account services, and benefits to entities thatprovide simulated role playing environments. In that regard, someembodiments enable multiple users to make remuneration with something ofvirtual value against balances due or obligations owed for virtualcredit accounts. In some embodiments multiple users can makeremuneration with something of real value as resolution of virtual debtsor obligations.

Features disclosed herein also include billing simulated purchases to avirtual account that allows carry-over balances. Feedback iscommunicated to the user regarding results of carry-over balances suchas non-payment, partial payment, and full payment of balances due.Feedback is also communicated to the user regarding consequences ofrelated purchase and payment activity for virtual credit accounts. Insome instances, the system and method provides monitoring of actionstaken to make resolution or provide compensation required by a virtualcredit account arrangement.

Other features include periodically changing various credit terms for avirtual credit arrangement, such as interest rates, due dates, graceperiods, penalties, credit limits, service charges, transferability,weekly or monthly or annual fees, automatic repayment provisions,payment of other obligations, monetary advances, re-negotiation of thedebt, and exchange value as compared to real-world or fictional money.In certain instances, the user may have the option to vary one or moreof these virtual account terms.

Various types of virtual credit accounts as well as actual financialaccounts can be incorporated into the disclosed methods, processes,systems and apparatus including accounts allowing carry-forward balance,accounts requiring full payment, debit cards, accounts with freebenefits, accounts with extra-cost benefits, accounts providing discountpromotions, cash advance accounts, accounts with beneficial links,insurance product accounts, accounts with value added benefits, businessand financial institution charge cards, checking accounts, lines ofcredit, vouchers, and installment promissory notes accounts.

Performance benchmarks for virtual credit arrangements or accounts inaccordance with certain aspects of the disclosure herein may be based onthe credit record of virtual accounts; credit record of real financialaccounts, test results, fictional role playing achievements, fictionalrole playing skills acquired, previous experience, endorsements, andgroup memberships in real world and role playing environments.Completion of such performance benchmarks may be required beforeallowing the transfer to a higher participation level, and also beforefacilitating transition of the user to an actual financial account. Suchperformance benchmarks may be based on activities of the user in a roleplaying environment.

It is to be understood that different categories of purchases may beavailable to be charged to a virtual credit account, such as travelreservations, auctions, food, clothing, merchandise, vehicles,insurance, appliances, furnishings, recreation, competitions, otheritems having virtual monetary value, installment purchases,entertainment, rentals, education, books, publications, games, otheritems having real monetary value, and fictional role playing items.

Some embodiments contemplate using a simulated billing period forvirtual credit account that occurs in real time at various intervals,such as a month, a week, a day, an hour, or lesser periods. Thesimulated billing period may be based on various parameters such as thenumber of purchase transactions, average balance owed, highest balanceowed, user's age, user's education, user's experience level, and user'sbenchmark performance.

Virtual account terms can be based on various informational data, suchas demographic information, past performance records, user negotiations,and choices selected by users. The terms of usage of hybrid chargeaccounts capable of both virtual account activities and real-worldfinancial transactions can be established or changed based at leastpartially on user selections, user demographics, as well as otherfactors that are also used for determining virtual credit account terms.

Although the virtual credit arrangements may primarily involvetransactions involving real-world money and/or fictional world money,some embodiments clearly contemplate virtual credit arrangements andaccounts that may require remuneration with a non-monetary real-worlditem or action, as well as remuneration with a non-monetary fictionalworld item or action.

In some preferred embodiments, computerized components and systemsenable multiple users to make purchases or incur obligations associatedwith different virtual credit accounts. Also such computerizedimplementations enable multiple users to provide compensation againstbalances due or obligations owed for different virtual accounts.

The exemplary system and apparatus embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-10 alongwith other components, devices, know-how, skill and techniques that areknown in the art have the capability of implementing and practicing themethods and processes shown in FIGS. 1-5. It is to be understood thatthe methods and processes can be incorporated in one or more computerprogram products with a carrier medium having program instructionsthereon. However it is to be further understood that other systems,apparatus and technology may be used to implement and practice suchmethods and processes.

Referring to FIG. 11, a computerized implementation for the methodsdisclosed herein may include a computer system 500 having a processor502 and memory 504 for running an application program 505. Theapplication program 505 may be incorporated in one or more computerprogram products having a carrier medium with program instructionsthereon. Peripheral components may include display 506 and databasestorage unit 508 as well as input devices such as keyboard 510 and mouse512. An active user 514 may have access to features disclosed in theexemplary flowcharts of FIGS. 16-25 by running the application program505. Inactive users 516, 518 may also periodically have access to theapplication program 505 including non-real time interaction through theprogram with each other and/or with active user 514 in order toparticipate in the benefits and advantages of the methods and processesdisclosed herein.

The schematic diagram of FIG. 12 illustrates the availability of thepresent methods and processes in a networking system having a networkserver 520 with communication links to different virtual worldenvironments 522, 524, 526. In this exemplary version, terminal 528 hasaccess through cable connection 530, terminal 532 has access throughdial-up line 534, terminal 536 has access through wireless connection538, and terminal 540 uses transmission signals 542 (e.g., radio ortelevision signals) via satellite 544 for access to network server 520.As with the system of FIG. 11, players may be logged on to participatesimultaneously in real-time virtual credit transactions in simulatedworld environments, or be respectively logged on during non-overlappingor partially overlapping time periods. Such participation may bedirectly with other parties or indirectly through intermediaries,depending on the circumstances involved.

Referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 13, access to virtual networkenvironment 560 may be accomplished for players 550 via Internet 552having an interactive communication link 554 through I/O interface 556.Such a virtual network 560 may include a virtual lobby arcade 562 withvarious types of virtual opportunities. The categories for such virtualopportunities are almost unlimited, and may for example include shops,competitions, journeys, test, battles, entertainment, careers, vehicles,training, auctions, communication links, events, awards, skills, healthand homes. A virtual credit agency office 570 operating, for example, asa storefront business may enable players to obtain information andissuance of virtual credit accounts usable in the virtual lobby arcade562.

It will be understood that separately owned virtual environments may beincluded as part of the virtual network environment 560, includingvirtual game environment 564, virtual world 566, and role playingvirtual community 568. The credit services of virtual credit agencyoffice 570 may also be usable in these separate individual virtualenvironments based on appropriate agreements with their owners and/oroperators.

The schematic illustration of FIG. 14 shows exemplary database records580 that may be used to practice the business and credit techniquesdisclosed herein. Various exemplary categories of records may include anID name and contact address 582 for an authorized user, a fictitiouscharacter identity 584 for such user, virtual world credit terms 586 fora particular credit account, virtual credit transactions 587, andvirtual world statement status 588. Where the credit account includesthe optional features for real-world credit transactions, otherexemplary categories of records may include real-world credit terms 590for a particular credit account, real-world credit transactions 591, andreal-world statement status 592.

Further exemplary categories of database records may include creditreceivables and related due dates 594, credit payables and related duedates 595, virtual value tokens and virtual case available 596 for aparticular player's account, and virtual world benefit awards andpenalty restrictions 597 applicable to a particular player's account. Itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that these types ofrecords are dynamically updated based on activity in the real-world aswell as in virtual world environment. Such records are accessible asappropriate to players, credit account entities, third party businessowners, virtual world environment operators and owners, and the like.

Various exemplary inter-relationships arising from the virtual credittransactions contemplated by the present methods and processes areillustrated in the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 15A-15E. For example,FIG. 15A depicts a virtual world publisher 600 operating a virtual worldcredit system 602 that extends credit to a player 604 based on theplayer's purchases and credit arrangements involving that particularvirtual world.

FIG. 15B shows an exemplary implementation wherein a virtual worldpublisher 610 engages another credit entity such as, for example, areal-world credit entity 612 for the purpose of offering virtual creditservices to a player 614 who participates in that particular virtualworld.

FIG. 15C shows an exemplary implementation wherein a virtual worldpublisher 620 enables multiple players such as 622, 624 to enter intovirtual credit arrangements with each other.

FIG. 15D shows an exemplary implementation wherein a virtual world owner630 enables another credit entity 632 to offer either or both types ofcredit services: virtual world credit services to a virtual worldparticipant or player 636, and real-world credit services involvingreal-world transactions 634.

FIG. 15E shows an exemplary implementation wherein an entity or personowning virtual world rights 640 has its own virtual world credit system642 that may involve one or more virtual participants such as player644. A separate virtual credit business 650 operated by an authorizedthird party may offer its own credit account or arrangement to one ormore virtual participants 652. A real-world credit entity 646 mayprovide virtual credit services to one or more virtual parties 648. As afinal example occurring in this illustrated version of a virtual worldembodiment, players 654, 656 may be enabled and allowed to arrangevirtual credit transactions with each other.

It will be understood from the description and drawings herein thatvarious embodiments of computer hardware and/or computer programproducts provide an opportunity for a selected credit entity to offervarious types of virtual world credit services, including but notlimited to virtual credit transactions between virtual worldparticipants, virtual credit transactions between an owner or operatorof the virtual world environment and one or more virtual world players,and virtual credit transactions between a third party virtual businessentity and one or more virtual world players.

It will be further understood that different implementations in computerhardware and/or computer program products as disclosed herein enable acredit entity to use various forms of virtual world credit publicity andadvertising including but not limited to sponsoring an event and/or anactivity and/or a location in the virtual world, providing audio and/orvisual and/or graphic and/or textual publicity in the virtual world,programming an activity or event in the virtual world that automaticallycomes to the attention of one or more virtual world players, andassuming a character role in the virtual world.

The exemplary embodiments of computer hardware and/or computer programproducts also enable a virtual credit card object that is issued by acredit entity to be capable of manipulation by a player in the virtualworld. Such a credit entity may also have a capability of operating areal-world credit business. Such a credit entity may be controlledand/or operated by a party that also controls and/or operates thevirtual world. Such a credit entity may also be involved with a credittransaction with one or more non-player third party entities in thevirtual world. Such a credit entity may also be involved in a credittransaction with an owner or operator of the virtual world.

Some exemplary system embodiments disclosed herein include a processorlinked to a database record and to an output device for providing abilling statement indicating payment obligations of the virtual creditaccount valuated in one or more of the following: fictional world money,real-world money, and non-monetary fictional world value tokens.

Some system implementations further provide a processor linked to adatabase record and to an output device for providing a billingstatement indicating payment obligations of the virtual credit accountbased on one or more of the following: interest, penalties, due date,purchase activity price, real-world credit performance record, andfictional world credit performance record.

For embodiments involving special virtual credit accounts that provideboth fictional world and real-world benefits, database records arecapable of storing and updating advances of fictional world value givento an account user in exchange for future compensation. Such databaserecords may be capable of storing and updating a repayment of the futurecompensation made one or more of the following: real-world money,fictional world money, non-monetary fictional world value tokens.

Some embodiments of the present system may include database recordscapable of storing and updating information relating to fictional worldtransactions charged to the virtual credit account. In some instancesthe virtual credit account may be used for real-world transactions.

One aspect of the system disclosed here includes database records thatare capable of storing identity information for a real-world entity orperson responsible for real-world obligations and/or fictional worldobligations of the special virtual credit account. Such database recordsmay also be capable of storing and updating information relating toreal-world transactions charged to the virtual credit account.

In some instances, the virtual credit account business may providefictional world benefits to a virtual credit account user based onperformance information in the database records related to thereal-world transactions charged to the special virtual credit account.

Some system embodiments may include a fictional world environment thatallows purchase activity or virtual credit account business involvingone or more of the following: fictional world owner, fictional worldoperator, third party virtual business entity, real-world credit entity,fictional world credit entity, fictional world player, fictional worldparticipant, and fictional world character.

Referring to the high level exemplary flow chart of FIG. 16, anexemplary process 700 creates an opportunity for a selected real-worldcredit entity to participate in a virtual world environment (block 702).A selected real-world credit entity is enabled to seek potentialcustomers for credit transactions in the virtual world environment(block 704).

Another high level exemplary flow chart of FIG. 17 discloses a process710 for providing a virtual charge account service available to aparticipant in the fictional world environment (block 712). In thisimplementation, the process accepts virtual transaction to be charged toa virtual credit account in connection with purchase activities in thefictional world environment (block 714). A billing statement istransmitted to the participant who acquired the virtual credit account(block 716).

An additional process implementation 720 in the high level exemplaryflow chart of FIG. 18 provides a special charge account issued by aselected credit entity that includes both real world benefits andfictional world benefits (block 722). The process further provides foradvertising the special charge account in the fictional worldenvironment (block 724).

Yet another aspect of certain embodiments is disclosed in a high levelexemplary process 730 of FIG. 19 that provides a credit account enablinga player to acquire one or more virtual items of value pursuant to acredit transaction charged to the credit account (block 732). Areal-world person or real-world entity is identified that will beresponsible for compliance with terms and obligations of the creditaccount (block 734). The process implements a billing to suchresponsible real-world person or real-world entity for compensationand/or fee arising from the credit transaction (block 736).

The exemplary flow chart of FIG. 20 illustrates a more detailed process740 that enables a real-world credit entity to seek potential customersfor credit transactions in the virtual world environment (block 741).One exemplary feature provides for giving a new player in the virtualworld environment access to informational materials related to thecredit accounts of the selected real-world entity (block 742).

Publicity is allowed in the virtual world environment by or on behalf ofthe selected real-world entity (block 744). Such publicity may includeallowing audio and/or visual and/or graphic and/or textual publicityrelating to the selected real-world entity (block 746). Other exemplarypublicity may include allowing sponsorship of an event and/or anactivity and/or a location in the virtual world environment by or onbehalf of the selected real-world credit entity (block 748).

At some point in time a decision is made whether or not a virtual creditservice will be made available in the virtual world environment(decision block 750). If not, then additional efforts seeking potentialcustomers (block 741) may take place. If so, then the virtual creditservice may be allowed to be advertised in the virtual world environmentby or on behalf of the selected real-world credit entity (block 752).Also the virtual world environment may serve as a medium for actuallyoffering the virtual credit account service to a prospective customer(block 754).

A decision is also made whether or not a real-world credit service willbe made available in the virtual world environment (decision block 756).If not, then additional efforts seeking potential customers (block 741)may take place. If so, then the real-world credit service may be allowedto be advertised in the virtual world environment by or on behalf of theselected real-world credit entity (block 757). Also the virtual worldenvironment may serve as a medium for actually offering the real-worldcredit account service to a prospective customer (block 758).

The exemplary flow chart of FIG. 21 illustrates a more detailed process760 that creates an opportunity for a selected real-world credit entityto participate in the virtual world environment (block 761). Such anopportunity may include providing authorization for the selected creditentity to have a storefront type virtual business (block 762). Otherpossible opportunities for participation include the selected real-worldcredit entity assuming a character role while participating in thevirtual world environment (block 764). Also the selected real-worldcredit entity may be enabled to issue a virtual credit card object thatis capable of manipulation by a player in the virtual world environment(block 766).

Other types of participation may include authorizing a virtual worldcredit service of the selected real-world credit entity to be involvedwith purchases made from a virtual business of a third party player orthird party owner in the virtual world environment (block 768). In someinstances the virtual world credit service is allowed to charge a fee tothe third party player and to the third party owner (block 770). Afurther type of participation may include programming an activity orevent in the virtual world environment that automatically benefits avirtual world credit service of the selected real-world entity (block771).

The participation of the selected real-world credit entity in thevirtual world environment will probably require a decision about thedifferent types of consideration to be provided by the selectedreal-world credit entity (decision block 772). If consideration is notconsidered to be necessary, then other types of participation cannevertheless proceed. When some consideration is deemed appropriate, itmay be at least partially provided by charging a fee to the selectedreal-world credit entity (block 774). At least partial consideration mayalso be provided by requiring the selected real-world entity to providea free or discounted real-world advertisement for the virtual worldenvironment (block 776).

A choice may also involve whether a special credit account for bothreal-world transactions and virtual world transactions can be issued toa player (decision block 778). If the decision is negative or to bedelayed, the other types of participation can still proceed. If thedecision is affirmative, then various interactions involving arepossible with the special credit account including but not limited to:enabling a player to charge virtual world purchases to the specialcredit account (block 780); and enabling a player to charge virtualworld benefits received in advance such as value tokens, virtual money,or other value items to the special credit account (block 782); andestablishing a link that awards virtual world benefits to a player basedon real-world credit transactions involving the special credit account(block 784).

The exemplary flow chart of FIG. 22 discloses an implementation of thepresently disclosed method 800 for accepting virtual transactionscharged to a virtual credit account in connection with purchaseactivities in a fictional world environment (block 801). When suchcharges occur, a billing statement is transmitted to the participant whoacquires the virtual credit account (block 802). Such fictional worldbilling statement may be authorized to be sent to a real world addressof the participant account holder (block 804) or to a fictional worldaddress of the participant account holder (block 806).

Revenue may be provided by charging fees to persons and entitiesbenefiting from the virtual credit account transactions (block 808).Such fees may include but not be limited to the following: a fee chargedto a virtual seller in the fictional world environment who receivespayment from the virtual charge account services (block 810); anddifferent types of fees charged to a participant who acquires thevirtual credit account (block 812) as part of the virtual charge accountservice (block 812).

Examples shown for fees charged to a participant account holder mayinclude a discounted fee or alternatively an increased fee based on theperformance records for the virtual credit account (block 817). Thevarious fees charged to a participant who owns or is responsible for thevirtual credit account may be valuated in fictional world money (block818), non-monetary fictional world value tokens (block 820), and realworld money (block 822).

Another category of transactions involving the virtual credit accountthat may generate fees from a virtual world participant relates toadvance benefits (i.e., something of value) given to the participantbased on a future repayment commitment. Examples of such advancebenefits funded by the virtual credit account include real-world money,fictional world money, fictional world value tokens, fictional worldpermission rights, real-world discounts, and fictional world discounts(block 824).

A further more detailed aspect of the method disclosed herein is shownin the process 830 of the exemplary flow chart of FIG. 23. Thisillustrated implementation enables a prospective customer to makeapplication in the fictional world environment for the special chargeaccount (block 832).

The implementation of FIG. 23 includes advertising and providing in afictional world environment a special charge account having bothreal-world and fictional world benefits (block 831). Such advertisingmay be implemented in special charge account displays of a brand and/ormark and/or logo and/or company name identifying the real-world creditentity (block 836). Such displays may feature a real-world (block 838)as well as a fictional world (block 840) brand, mark, logo, and companyname of the real-world credit entity.

Other types of special charge account activity may involve givingsomething of fictional world value to an account user in exchange forfuture compensation owed to the real-world credit entity (block 842).Such fictional world value items may include giving authorization forthe account user to have access to restricted places and/or restrictedevents in the fictional world environment in advance of repayment (block844). Other exemplary advance credits available with the special chargeaccount may include giving an account user fictional non-monetary valuetokens in advance of repayment (block 843). The special charge accountmay also give fictional world money to an account user in advance ofrepayment (block 845).

Some embodiments of the disclosed method provide other types of advancefictional world benefits pursuant to the special charge account servicesproviding fictional world value to the account user in exchange forfuture compensation (block 846). These advance benefits may include, forexample, accepting different types of future compensation for debts owedby a virtual credit account user including the accepting payment ofreal-world monetary fees (block 848), fictional world monetary fees(block 850), and something of fictional world value (block 852).

Fictional world award benefits may also be provided to the virtualcredit account user based on the performance record for real-worldtransactions involving the special charge account (block 854). It is tobe understood that in some embodiments such real world transactions canbe directly or indirectly charged to the special charge account. Otherreal-world benefits may be given to special account users in the form ofdiscounted access fees and/or extended time privileges in the fictionalworld environment.

Another aspect of the presently disclosed method is illustrated in aprocess 860 shown in exemplary flow chart of FIG. 24 relating toproviding a credit account that enables a player to acquire virtualitems of value pursuant to a credit transaction (block 861). Initialactivities may include engaging in solicitation activity in a virtualworld environment to obtain new credit account prospects (block 862). Acommission may be paid based on a successful solicitation that resultsin obtaining a credit account for a virtual world player (block 864).

The credit account services may include authorization of a credittransaction with a virtual business of a third party player or thirdparty owner in the virtual world environment to be charged to the creditaccount (block 866). Such a credit transaction may include charging afee to the virtual business (block 868), which may be received from thethird party virtual business whose sale of a virtual item was charged tothe credit account (block 870).

Other credit account activities may include operating a storefront typefinancial credit business in the virtual world environment (block 872).A link may be established that awards a virtual world benefit to acredit account owner based on real-world credit transaction activity bysuch account owner (block 874).

Some virtual world environments may be more complex, and an inquiry maydetermine whether the virtual world environment includes a virtualnetwork with one or more separately owned virtual worlds (decision block876). If not, then other activities may still be provided. If so, thenit may be desirable to enable a player to use the credit account toacquire one or more virtual items of value in the virtual networkenvironment (block 878). As a further possibility, it may be desirableto enable a player to use the credit account to acquire one or moreitems of value in at least one or perhaps more of the separately ownedvirtual worlds (block 880).

Other business relationships may be possible such as receiving a rebatefor credit transactions charged to the credit account involving itemsacquired in the virtual network environment, as well as items acquiredin the one or more separately owned virtual worlds (block 882).

The exemplary flow chart of FIG. 25 disclosed another implementation ofa method and process 910, including charging compensation and/or fee toa person and/or an entity benefiting from a virtual credit transactioncharged to a credit account (block 911). Payment of the compensationand/or fee may be accepted in different forms, including but not limitedto real-world money (block 912), virtual world money (block 914), andsomething of virtual world value (block 916). A billing such as byelectronic or hardcopy statement may be at least partially based on aprice for a purchased virtual item (block 918), and may also be at leastpartially based on an interest charge arising from the credittransaction (block 920).

It will be understood that although significant compensation and/or feesmay be billed to a credit account owner or user, compensation and/orfees may be charged to one or more of the following persons or entities:virtual world owner, virtual world operator, virtual network owner,virtual network operator, third party virtual business, virtual worldplayer, virtual world participant, credit account owner, credit accountuser, responsible real-world person, responsible real-world entity, andvirtual world character (block 922).

Various types of credit transactions are contemplated, includingenabling a player (or other interested party) to acquire an advancebased on a future repayment commitment. The advance may includesomething or multiple things of virtual world value (block 926) as wellas something or multiple things of real-world value (block 928),including combinations thereof. Of course some items that are advancedpursuant to terms of the credit account may have valuations measured orrecognized in both virtual world and real-world environments.

Fictional world benefits may be provided to a credit account user basedon a performance record for virtual transactions involving the creditaccount. It will be apparent from the present explanations thatinterested parties may continue to engage in solicitation activity inthe virtual world environment in order to obtain additional creditaccounts.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the variouscomponents and elements disclosed in the block diagrams herein as wellas the various steps and sub-steps disclosed in the flow charts hereinmay be incorporated together in different claimed combinations in orderto enhance possible benefits and advantages.

It will be further understood that that designations “real-worldentity”, “real-world third party”, “real-world person”, real-worldenterprise”, “customer”, “clientele”, “patron”, “party”, “recipient”,“donor”, “agent”, “claimant”, “transferee”, “third party”, as usedherein are intended to include individuals, families, groups of people,clubs, organizations, partnerships, corporations, companies, etc. thatare typically recognized as being identifiable in the real-world.

The exemplary system, apparatus, and computer program productembodiments shown in FIGS. 6-15E along with other components, devices,know-how, skill and techniques that are known in the art have thecapability of implementing and practicing the methods and processesshown in FIGS. 1-5 and FIGS. 16-25. It is to be understood that themethods and processes can be incorporated in one or more different typesof computer program products with a carrier medium having programinstructions encoded thereon. However it is to be further understood bythose skilled in the art that other systems, apparatus and technologymay be used to implement and practice such methods and processes.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the various aspects ofthe embodiments for methods, processes, apparatus and systems asdescribed herein can be implemented, individually and/or collectively,by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combinationthereof.

One aspect of the present system and method enables a credit entity toparticipate in a virtual world environment with publicity andadvertising in order to seek potential customers for credit transactionsin the virtual world environment. In some implementations disclosedherein, a process for creating credit transactions in a fictional worldenvironment includes making a virtual charge account service availableto a participant in the fictional world environment. Virtualtransactions are accepted and charged to a virtual credit account inconnection with purchase activities in the fictional world environment,and a billing statement may be provided to the participant who acquiresthe virtual credit account.

Methods of operating a credit account business in a fictional worldenvironment as disclosed herein may take different forms. For example,in some embodiments a special charge account may issued by a real-worldcredit entity that includes both real-world benefits and fictional worldbenefits, and advertisements for the special charge account are providedin the fictional world environment.

There are other exemplary methods and processes disclosed herein foroperating a credit business in a virtual world environment. In someinstances a credit account is provided that enables a player to acquireone or more virtual items of value pursuant to a credit transactioncharged to the credit account. A real-world person or real-world entitymay be identified that will be responsible for compliance with terms andobligations of the credit account, and be responsible for receiving abilling for compensation and/or fees arising from the credittransaction. Depending on the circumstances, a billing statement may beauthorized to be sent to a real world address and/or a fictional worldaddress of a credit account owner. One aspect provides a virtual chargeaccount service available for use in a fictional world environment,wherein a billing statement charges various fees to a participant whoacquires the virtual charge account. Such virtual charge account feesmay be valuated in fictional world money, real-world money, ornon-monetary fictional world value tokens.

The virtual credit billing system may include a database record forrecording the virtual world credit transaction activities, and an outputdevice may be coupled to the database record for communicatingobligations arising from the credit transaction activities to a personor entity responsible for virtual credit account obligations.

An exemplary simulated world environment 940 is illustrated in theschematic block diagram of FIG. 26, and shows many features that may beavailable to one or more players 972 that participate in the simulatedworld environment 940. A location 942 may include standard products,services and/or items available to a player. A bi-directional accessportal 943 may enable some players to visit another location 944 thatincludes customized products, services and/or items. Opportunities for avirtual credit transactions may be available in both locations 942, 944.

Typical exemplary activities, events and destinations may includevarious topics 946 such as sports, competitions, health, entertainment,journeys, vehicles, military battles, careers and academics. All ofthese topics are candidates for a possible virtual credit transaction.Additional combined topics 948 for activities, events and destinationsinvolving virtual credit transactions may include clothing/costumes,restaurants/food, tools/gadgetry, jewelry/precious metals andhousing/furnishings.

Further opportunities related to arranging, transferring, and/orresolving rights and obligations arising from a virtual credittransaction may be provided via accessible communication links 950,restricted communication links 952, restricted locations 954, andrestricted activities 956. It will be understood by those skilled in theart that different levels of virtual credit activities may include anintermediate level 958 and an advanced level 959. A further descriptionof such exemplary levels is provided herein with regard to FIGS. 28A and28B.

In addition to more conventional virtual credit transactions involvingproducts, services and potential value items, a virtual world may alsoinclude activities, events and destinations that involve other aspectsof virtual credit based on participation with tests 960, challenges 962,opportunities 964, and character choices 966.

Many of the aspects related to arranging, transferring and/or resolvingrights and obligations arising from a virtual credit arrangement ortransaction will be facilitated by a virtual currency exchange 967, avirtual credit agency 968, and a virtual charge account 969. Of courseother virtual and real world entities as well as individual players,groups of players, third parties, virtual world provides and gameoperators may also participate directly or indirectly in facilitatingthe use of virtual credit as a basis for acquiring something of possiblevalue while logged on or otherwise participating in a virtual worldenvironment or game.

An exemplary computerized access system 970 for the simulated worldenvironment 940 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 26, and may includea communication link 974 operatively coupled to the virtual chargeaccount via connection 975 and to the simulated world via connection977. The communication link 974 is also operatively coupled viaconnection 984 to processor 976 and memory 978, as well as operativelycoupled to database 979 via connection 986. Each player 972 may send andreceive informational data and messages through user interface 973 andinput/feedback device 990 via processor connection 985 and databaseconnection 987. The input/feedback device 990 may also include a displayfunction 992 and a printout function 994.

The database function may be implemented at various locations using manytypes of storage media, and may be accessed for updating and/orretrieval by many different components and signal transmissionstechniques, all within the spirit and scope of the claims herein. Theimplementation and location shown and described are by way of exampleonly, and may include game account status records 980, virtual credittransfer records 981, player penalty records 982 and player benefitrecords 983.

FIG. 27A is a schematic representation of the type of data that may beincluded in a player's exemplary game account status database records980, including status date 1034, user ID 1035, virtual character ID1036, game account number 1037, and performance rating 1038. Anidentification of a responsible real-world party 1030 as well as suchplayer's real-world contact information 1032 may also be included.

Value categories 1000 for value symbols that may be involved in avirtual world credit transaction or arrangement include, by way ofexample, virtual currency 1002, discount coupons 1004, award points1006, access tickets 1008, experience medals 1010, level permits 1012,bonus vouchers 1014, skill merits 1016, as well as other unlisted valuesymbols 1018. Exemplary data fields for each value symbol may include anowed payable amount 1020 and its related creditor(s) ID1022, an expectedreceivable amount 1024 and its related debtor(s) ID 1026, and a listingof what is currently owned 1028. Other data fields may be included inaddition to those disclosed herein, and in some instances some of theexemplary data fields may not be deemed desirable and therefore can beomitted.

FIG. 27B is a schematic representation of the type of data that may beincluded in an exemplary transfer status database record 981, includingtransaction date 907, original debtor 908, original creditor 909, duedate 913, value(s) acquired 915 and original amount owed 917. Exemplarydata fields may include transfer date 919, whether permission isrequired 921, IDs of both a new virtual debtor 923 and corresponding newresponsible real-world debtor 925, IDs of both a new virtual creditor927 and corresponding newly assigned real-world creditor 929, and alisting of the balance owed as of the transfer date 931. Other datafields may be included in addition to those disclosed herein, and insome instances some of the exemplary data fields may not be deemeddesirable and therefore can be omitted.

FIG. 27C is a schematic representation of the type of data that may beincluded in an exemplary database record 1001 that incorporates playerpenalties 982 and player benefits 983. Basic informational fields mayinclude original transaction date 1003, current debtor 1005, currentcreditor 1007, due dates, 1009, original value(s) acquired 1011, currentbalance owed 1013 and current data 1015. Exemplary data fields mayinclude date of debtor repayments 1017, type of repayment made 1019,whether there has been compliance with an obligation 1021, real-worldbenefit awarded 1023, virtual world benefit awarded 1025, real-worldpenalty imposed 1027, and virtual world penalty imposed 1029. Other datafields may be included in addition to those disclosed herein, and insome instances some of the exemplary data fields may not be deemeddesirable and therefore can be omitted.

In the schematic diagram of FIG. 28A, a virtual game world 1040 mayinclude multiple participation levels based on selected admissioncriteria. In this exemplary implementation, an exclusive introductorylevel 1042 may be limited, for example, to less skilled virtual worldparticipants. An exclusive intermediate level 1044 may be limited, forexample, to more experienced virtual world participants. An exclusiveadvanced credit level 1046 may be limited, for example, to highlyqualified virtual world participants. Other different level admissioncriteria may be selected in order to achieve different goals and perhapsdifferent game objectives.

In the schematic diagram of FIG. 28B, a virtual game world 1050 mayinclude multiple participation levels based on another scheme ofselected admission criteria. In this exemplary implementation, one level1052 may be available for all level participants. Another level 1054 maybe available only for intermediate and advanced level participants. Afurther level 1056 may be available only for advanced levelparticipants. This embodiment may, for example, allow more experiencedor more qualified virtual world participants to continue to have accessto lower level virtual world opportunities. Other different leveladmission criteria may be selected in order to achieve different goalsand perhaps different game objectives.

Another embodiment of an exemplary virtual credit implementation 885 isshown in the schematic drawing of FIG. 29, including a virtual worldenvironment 886 that includes various destinations 887, activities 888and events 889 that can be selected by one or more players andparticipants. Interface links 890, 891 provide access to the virtualworld environment 885, including access to product(s) 892, servicesand/or items of value that may be acquired pursuant to a virtual worldtransaction or arrangement. Such acquisition may be directly orindirectly involved with the destinations 887, activities 888 and events889 or may be separately available to players and participants.

The embodiment of FIG. 29 schematically shows database records providedat two locations. A first database 979 a includes game account statusrecords 980, player penalty records 982 and player benefit records 983,and a second database 979 b includes virtual world transaction records890 and virtual world transfer records 981. Both database 979 a and 979b are operatively coupled via connections 896 to the virtual worldenvironment 886.

A transfer arrow 899 indicates that a player who is a participantobligor 883 has acquired something of value in a virtual world exchangetransaction, and may be able to transfer their future obligation to anew obligor 900. Also a transfer arrow 901 indicates that a player whois a participant beneficiary expecting to receive something of value ina virtual world exchange transaction (e.g., credit transaction) may beable to transfer their beneficiary right to a new beneficiary 902. Suchtransfers may involve an updating of transfer records 981 in database979 b via connections 906 and 904, respectively. Also, such transfersmay involve updating of game account status records 980 as well asplayer penalty and benefit records 982, 983 via connections 905 and 903,respectively. In some embodiments, a new obligor 900 or a newbeneficiary 902 may also be a player in the virtual world environment886. In some embodiments an obligation or right arising from a virtualworld transaction may be transferable to a non-player party.

The schematic timing diagram 1060 of FIG. 30 illustrates exemplary typesof virtual world opportunities that are possible in a virtual worldenvironment among players and parties. A time line 1062 provides areference for real time and delayed time accessibility for differentvirtual world and real-world entities, including a virtual game entitywith an active time period 1064 commencing at 1065, a third partyvirtual provider with an active time period 1066 commencing at 1067, agame provider with an active time period 1068 commencing at a startinggame time 1069, and a programmed virtual character role with an activetime period 1070 commencing at time 1071 and terminating at time 1073.Because of the benefits of computerized technology, real time anddelayed time interaction between entities are possible for purposes ofpracticing the methods and implementing the systems for virtual worldopportunities as disclosed herein.

For example, as shown in FIG. 30, a player John 1072 having an actuallogon time period 1074 commencing at time 1075 and terminating at time1077 has the capability of having real time interaction during logontime period 1074 with player Fred 1076. It is noted that Fred's actuallogon time period 1080 commencing at time 1083 and terminating at time1085 partially overlaps with John's logon time period 1074, andsimilarly with active time 1066 of the third party virtual provider, aswell as with an active time period of a real-world group participant1086. It is further noted that John's logon time period 1074 completelyoverlaps with active period 1064 of the virtual game entity, and withthe active period 1068 of the game provider, and further with an activeperiod of a player character role 1088. This enables real timeinteraction between entities, including repeated dialogue communicationsif deemed appropriate, while virtual world transactions are beingnegotiated, arranged, implemented, transferred, resolved, and/orcanceled. Of course, it is understood that time delays between real timeinteractive messages may also occur intentionally, or because of systemlimitations.

Even though John 1072 is logged off between his termination time 1077and his re-commencement time 1079, other entities that are active orlogged on during the interim period may respond to any of John'srequests, actions or questions that have been appropriately stored inmemory, or may pursue their own dialogue with respect to new, pending orexisting virtual world arrangements. Such other entities may includeMary 1083 whose logon period 1084 commences at time 1087 and terminatesat time 1089. Similarly, John can resume his virtual world transactionparticipation during his new logon time period 1078 until termination attime 1081. This new period may include responses to requests, action orquestion previously made by Mary 1084 whose logon period does notoverlap either of John's logon time periods 1074, 1078.

Further real time interaction may be initiated or received by players orother entities in the virtual world environment through links in thevirtual world environment as shown by a real-world website link 1090activated to commence at time 1091 and terminate at time 1093, a virtualenvironment link 1092 activated to commence at time 1095 and terminateat time 1097, and a real-world entity link 1094 activated to commence attime 1098 and terminate at time 1099. It is therefore to be understoodthat both unidirectional and bi-directional links across a boundarybetween a virtual world environment and a real-world location orreal-world entity may be used to effectuate, implement, resolve orperpetuate a virtual world transaction or arrangement.

As indicated in FIGS. 26 and 30, participation in a simulated or virtualworld environment may include activities, events and transactions thatare wholly within the simulated or virtual world environment as well asactivities, events and transactions that are initiated or partly pursuedin the simulated or virtual world environment. A virtual world player orparticipant taking a class, for example, could mean a virtual charactertaking a class in the virtual world to increase his virtual world skilllevel, as well as a player using his virtual character to interact witha real-world course (for example, to take an online class), or somecombination of these.

This hybrid type of participation is illustrated in FIG. 26 where theaccessible communication links 950 and the restricted communicationlinks 952 might be links to either virtual world sites as well asreal-world sites. Similarly in FIG. 30, the activated link to anothervirtual environment 1092 as well as activated link to a real-world website 1090 and activated link to a real-world entity 1094 are availableto players Fred 1076, Mary 1084 and John 1072.

The high level flow chart of FIG. 31 shows an exemplary processembodiment 1100 that provides an imaginary environment where a player isenabled to choose a different destination and/or activity and or event(block 1102). An opportunity is created in the imaginary environment forthe player to participate in a credit transaction based on an obligationof future conduct, wherein the credit transaction involves atransferable creditor right and/or a transferable debtor obligation(block 1104). The exemplary process includes making a record of thecredit transaction (block 1106). An implementation of the process ofFIG. 31 may be incorporated in computer program embodiments as furtherdisclosed herein.

The high level flow chart of FIG. 32 shows a further exemplary processembodiment 1101 that provides a virtual world environment wherein aplayer can acquire something of potential value pursuant to a credittransaction with another party (block 1103). The exemplary processenables a transfer of a right and/or obligation arising from the credittransaction (block 1105), and includes making a record of such atransfer (block 1107). The process of FIG. 32 may be incorporated incomputer program product embodiments as further disclosed herein.

The high level flow chart of FIG. 33 shows an additional exemplaryprocess embodiment 1110 that provides a virtual world environment with acapability for a player to acquire something of virtual value pursuantto a simulated credit transaction based on credit terms that include afuture obligation (block 1112). A record is made of the credittransaction (block 1114), and a consequence is imposed on the playerbased on a performance record related to compliance with the player'sobligation arising from the simulated credit transaction (block 1116).This process may be implemented in computer program product embodimentsas further disclosed herein.

The high level flow chart of FIG. 34 shows another exemplary processembodiment 1111 that provides a virtual world environment accessible byone or more players (block 1113) that are enabled to choose a differentdestination and/or activity and/or event in the virtual worldenvironment (block 1115). An opportunity is created for the player(s) toparticipate in a credit transaction with another player and/or a nonplayer entity (block 1117). A record made of the credit transaction mayinclude a performance record of compliance or non-compliance with termsof the credit transaction (block 1119). The process of FIG. 33 may beimplemented in a computer program embodiment as further disclosedherein.

Referring to the flow chart of FIG. 35, an embodiment 865 of a computerprogram product includes one or more computer programs for executing anexemplary computer process (block 867). Encoded instructions provide asimulated world where a player is enabled to interact in the simulatedworld with another player or with a non-player entity (block 869).Encoded instructions also facilitate a credit arrangement in thesimulated world involving a transferable creditor right and/or atransferable debtor obligation based on the acquisition of something ofpotential value (block 871). Encoded instructions automatically cause arecord to be made of the credit arrangement (block 873).

Referring to the flow chart of FIG. 36, another embodiment 875 of acomputer program product includes one or more computer programs forexecuting an exemplary computer process (block 877). Encodedinstructions provide a virtual world environment accessible by a player(block 879). Encoded instructions also enable a player to choose adestination and/or activity and/or event in the virtual worldenvironment (block 881). Encoded instructions create a credittransaction involving the player with another player and/or withanon-player entity (block 883). Encoded instructions further cause arecord to be kept of the credit transaction including a record regardingthe player's compliance with terms of the credit transaction.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that computer programembodiments disclosed herein may be encoded in various carrier mediaincluding but not limited to wave signals (e.g., optical, electrical,electro magnetic), memory systems (e.g., cartridge, tape, disk), as wellas other communication and storage media.

A more detailed flow chart of FIG. 37 shows an exemplary method 1120 forconducting a virtual world transaction involving one or more players(block 1122). A record made of a virtual credit transaction (block 1106)may help determine whether a debtor has made satisfactory compliancewith any of the virtual credit transaction obligations (block 1128),including a record of failure to comply (block 1130), and a record ofcompliance (block 1132). In some implementations a performance rating isrecorded (block 1134) based on the compliance records.

FIG. 37 also illustrates an embodiment that incorporates the previouslydescribed process blocks 1102, 1104, 1106 (see FIG. 31) as programinstructions in one or more computer program products (block 1136). Sucha computer program product may provide a carrier medium for encodingprogram instructions (block 1137), and may also provide a gameenvironment capable of having one or more players logged on forparticipation in a virtual world credit transaction with a non-playerentity (block 1138), and may further provide a game environment capableof having one or more players logged on for participation in a virtualworld credit transaction with another player (block 1139).

The detailed flow chart of FIG. 38 shows a further exemplary method 1140that includes the opportunity in an imaginary environment (see processblock 1104 in both FIG. 31 and FIG. 38) wherein a credit transactioninvolves a transferable creditor right and/or a transferable debtorobligation. Such a credit transaction may be based on an obligation offuture payment of real-world money (block 1126), or other types ofobligations as disclosed herein.

In some instances, the possibility of transferability may involvepermission requirements. For example, can a particular debtor obligationbe transferable to another party without permission (block 1121)? If nopermission is required, then a transfer of the debtor obligation can beenabled (block 1123). Otherwise, permission may be required from anotherparty such as a creditor entity or third party in order for a transferof a debtor obligation to be completed (block 1125).

In another example, a question may arise whether a particular creditorright is transferable to another party without permission (block 1127)?If no permission is required, then a transfer of the creditor right canbe enabled (block 1131). Otherwise, permission may be required fromanother party such as a debtor or third party in order for a transfer ofa creditor right to be completed (block 1129).

The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 38 also indicates the possibility oftransferability arising where an opportunity is created for a player toparticipate in a credit transaction with another player (block 1146). Anissue of transferability may also arise where an opportunity is providedfor a player to participate in a credit transaction with a non-playerentity from the following group: real-world entity, real-world thirdparty, virtual world environment provider, game world operator, thirdparty virtual entity, virtual world credit entity, fictional character,and fictional avatar (block 1144). Another type of credit transactionmay involve an offer of a virtual product and/or service to a player,wherein the credit transaction has at least one of the following:predetermined credit terms, negotiated credit terms, credit termsselected by a player, credit terms of a virtual charge account, andcredit terms of a real-world charge account (block 1142).

The exemplary flow chart of FIG. 39 shows a further exemplary method1141 for providing player participation in a virtual world environment(block 1143). This embodiment includes the previously described processblocks 1103, 1105, 1107 (see FIG. 32) incorporated as encodedinstructions in one or more computer program products which provide agame environment capable of having one or more players logged on forparticipation in a credit transaction with another player and/or with anon-player entity (block 1155).

The possibility of a player acquiring something of potential valuepursuant to a credit transaction with another party (block 1103) may bebased on enabled interaction in the virtual world environment between adebtor participant and a creditor participant regarding one or more ofthe following activities: creating the credit transaction, negotiatingcredit transaction terms, revising the credit transaction, resolving thecredit transaction, transferring the debtor's obligation, transferringthe creditor's rights, and terminating the credit transaction (block1145). Capability may also be provided for a credit transaction in thevirtual world environment involving one or more non-player entities fromthe following group: real-world credit entity, third party real-worldentity, virtual world provider, game environment operator, third partyvirtual entity, virtual world credit entity, fictional character, andvirtual world avatar (block 1147).

When any transfer occurs, a record is made (block 1107) which mayinclude an identification of a real-world person or real-world entityresponsible for a debtor obligation as a result of the transfer (block1149). The record may also include an identification of a real-worldperson or real-world entity having a creditor right as a result of thetransfer (block 1151). The possibility of enabling a transfer of a rightand/or an obligation arising from a credit transaction (block 1105) inthe virtual world environment may again raise an issue of permission. Itmay be a requirement to determine whether or not permission is requiredbefore completing such a transfer (block 1153).

The detailed flow chart of FIG. 40 shows a further exemplary method 1163that includes the opportunity in a virtual world environment (seeprocess block 1117 in both FIG. 33 and FIG. 40) for one or more playersto participate in a credit transaction with another player and/or nonplayer entity, and wherein a performance record may be made (see processblock 1119 in FIG. 34). The credit transaction may enable a player toacquire one or more quantitative symbols and/or qualification symbols,and/or qualitative symbols of virtual value (block 1150). Suchquantitative symbols may include one or more units of something ofvirtual value (block 1154). Such qualification symbols may include oneor more of the following types: activity permits, event admissions,achievement elements, and goal success components (block 1156). Suchqualitative symbols may include a symbol of virtual character orpersonality or health value (block 1158). Any symbols of virtual valuethat can be acquired may include transferable symbols and/ornon-transferable symbols (block 1152).

In some instances, the process blocks 1113, 1115, 1117, 1119 of FIG. 34may also include implementations involving transferability such asenabling a debtor obligation to be transferable to another party (block1157), as well as in some instances enabling a creditor right to betransferable to another party (block 1159). Another possible feature tobe included is offering a virtual product and/or virtual service and/orvirtual item to player(s) pursuant to a credit transaction having one ormore of the following: predetermined terms of credit, negotiated termsof credit, terms of credit selected by the player, virtual chargeaccount credit terms, and real-world charge account credit terms (block1161).

FIG. 41 shows a further exemplary method 1190 for managing playerinteraction in a virtual world (block 1162). This embodiment includesthe previously described process blocks 1112, 1114, 1116 (see FIG. 33)as program instructions in one or more computer program products (block1170). Such a computer program product may provide a carrier medium forencoding program instructions (block 1172), and may also provide a gameenvironment capable of having one or more players logged on forparticipation in a virtual world credit transaction with a non-playerentity (block 1174), and may further provide a game environment capableof having one or more players logged on for participation in a virtualworld credit transaction with each other (block 1176). Multiple playersmay be individually logged on during different time periods (block 1178,as well as individually logged on during a same time period (block1180).

Additional process components included in the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 41 include providing an opportunity for a player tosell something of virtual value based on credit terms (block 1182), andalso providing an opportunity for a player to participate in a credittransaction with a non-player entity from the following group:real-world credit entity, real-world third party, virtual worldprovider, game environment operator, third party virtual entity, virtualworld credit entity, fictional character, and fictional avatar (block1184).

The detailed flow chart of FIG. 42 shows an exemplary method 1190 formanaging player interaction in a virtual world (block 1162). Exemplaryprocess components may include imposing a penalty in the virtual worldenvironment in the event of a player's failure to comply with a futureobligation of a simulated credit transaction (block 1191). Possiblepenalties in the virtual world environment may include one or more ofthe following: return the acquired something of virtual value;additional future obligation; limit on future simulated credittransaction; less favorable future credit terms for simulated credittransaction; payment of fictional money; restriction on virtual worldevent participation; restriction on virtual world choices; virtual worldcommunication restriction; restriction on access to virtual worlddestination; forfeiture of something of virtual value; loss of virtualvalue symbols; loss of virtual world experience points; loss orsuspension of virtual level qualification (block 1192).

Other exemplary process components include imposing a real-world penaltyin the event of a player's failure to comply with a future obligation ofthe simulated credit transaction (block 1193). Possible real-worldpenalties may include one or more of the following: payment ofreal-world money, limiting virtual world participation, and temporarysuspension of virtual world participation (block 1194). In someinstances, notification is made to another party to implement thereal-world penalty incurred by a player's failure to comply the futureobligation (block 1195).

Additional exemplary process components relate to awarding benefits inthe event of a player compliance with a future obligation of thesimulated credit transaction. Such benefits may include an award of areal-world benefit (block 1198), as well as an award of a virtual worldbenefit (block 1196. Possible virtual world benefits may include one ormore of the following: virtual world money, virtual items of value,virtual achievement points, virtual character points, more simulatedcredit transaction opportunities, favorable future virtual credit terms,virtual world purchase discounts, future virtual world eventopportunities, and advanced level virtual world participation (block1197).

The exemplary system, apparatus, and computer program productembodiments shown in FIGS. 6-15E and FIGS. 26-30 and 43-47 along withother components, devices, know-how, skill and techniques that are knownin the art have the capability of implementing and practicing themethods and processes shown in FIGS. 48-57. It is to be understood thatthe methods and processes can be incorporated in one or more differenttypes of computer program products with a carrier medium having programinstructions encoded thereon. However it is to be further understood bythose skilled in the art that other systems, apparatus and technologymay be used to implement and practice such methods and processes.

Referring to FIG. 43, an exemplary embodiment includes computerapparatus 1201 operably coupled with memory 1202 and user interface 1203to provide access to virtual world environment 1200. In this embodimentactive user 1204 and inactive user 1205 can each periodically logon tothe virtual world environment 1200 in order to participate as virtualcharacters or other third party entities. It will be understood thatsome embodiments may provide for one or more users at differentlocations to participate in the virtual world environment by logon to anapplication program running in a localized computer apparatus and/orrunning on a computer server accessible via a network connection such asthe Internet.

Computer apparatus 1201 may include processor 1207, one or moreapplications 1208, controller 1209, and virtual world elements 1210.Memory 1202 may include various records necessary to accomplish thesophisticated functional aspects and attributes of the virtual worldenvironment 1200 as well as the actions, behavior and activity ofvirtual characters, avatars, and the like. Exemplary records related totransferability features disclosed herein include a listing oftransferable VW elements 1212 (i.e., VW elements that may in somecircumstances be subject to transfer), transfer data records 1213,virtual character identification records 1214, and real-world identityrecords 1215 for real-world patron entities involved directly orindirectly with the virtual world environment 1200.

FIG. 44 illustrates schematically a computing system 1220 that may beinterconnected with various types of networks 1222 including but notlimited to local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and theInternet. An exemplary embodiment of the transferability featuresdisclosed herein includes a computing device 1224, program module 1226,occurrence tracking module 1228, and query module 1230.

FIG. 45 shows an exemplary implementation of system 1300 that enablesmultiple users at different locations to participate in a virtual worldenvironment. For example, client computer devices 1303 have access via acommunication net 1310 (e.g., computer networks 1305) to servers 1302that run programs and process data as may be required for operation ofthe virtual world environment. It will be understood that multipleservers (e.g., servers 1304, 1306, 1308) may in some implementations bepart of a larger grouping. More particularly, individual usersidentified as participants 1 through N can use their respectiveterminals 1312, 1314, 1316, 1318 connected through communication links1322, 1324, 1326, 328 to various computer networks 1305 in order toobtain access to the virtual world environment.

FIG. 46 is a schematic representation of a computerized system 1350 thatprovides various communication and data processing services related to avirtual world environment to a RW patron 1362 via one or more networks1305. A communication path may include one or more links 1363 tonetworks 1305 and ultimately via link 1364 to computerized componentssupporting a VW environment 1352. A potential RW transferee 1366 ofvirtual rights and/or property also may have a possible communicationlink 1365 through networks 1305 to some aspects of the VW environment1352.

Exemplary components of computerized system 1350 include processor 1358,user interface 1360, VW program 1356, monetary fee module 1357, as wellas computer storage medium 1354. With respect to transferabilityfeatures as disclosed herein, the computer storage medium 1354 mayinclude transfer authorization records 1382, listing of transferees1384, record of adverse claims 1386, and record of any transfers 1388.Additional modules may include query module 1374 providing data recordaccess, and reporting module 1376. A death/demise confirmation module1370 may include an event-tracking module 1372. These exemplary systemcomponents implement various procedures regarding authorization for apossible transfer of a virtual world property right to a designatedsuccessor party. Such procedures may be conditioned upon a death of areal-world patron 1362 of the virtual world environment 1352. Suchprocedures may also be conditioned upon a demise (e.g., figurative orde-facto death) of a virtual world character 1355 in the VW environment1352.

The illustrated embodiments 1400 of FIG. 47 show additional details thatmay be included in the system embodiment of FIG. 46, including a virtualworld program 1402 that processes death/demise events 1404 insofar asthey might relate to an authorized transfer of virtual rights orproperty. It will be understood that possible recipient parties mayinclude but are not limited to a participant VW transferee 1367, anon-participant VW transferee 1368, and a RW transferee 1366. Anauthorization for transfer may have been initiated by or on behalf of aRW patron donor 1362 a. An authorization for transfer may also have beeninitiated by or on behalf of a VW character donor 1355 a.

In accordance with an exemplary procedure for helping to providereasonable predictability for transfers that do not violate anyconflicting rights, rules or claims, a transfer procedure may include anevaluation of possible adverse claims from a VW claimant 1415 and/or aRW claimant 1420. Resolution of any conflicting claims may require a RWclaimant to have access to the VW environment via a possible link 1421,and also to have access to website 1425 via link 1422. Similarly RWtransferee 1366 may obtain possible access (see 1365) to the VWenvironment via networks 1305, and may also have access to website 1425via link 1369.

In the event of a real-world death of RW patron donor 1362 a or a demiseof a VW character donor 1355 a, some implementations may provide forcommunications with an agent of the donor. Such communications mayinvolve a RW donor agent 1427 and/or a VW donor agent 1430. In someinstances it may be desirable to assure that communication links areprovided. For example some embodiments may provide a link 1428 to thewebsite 1425 for RW donor agent 1427. Such communication links with adonor agent may be helpful to accomplish an intention of a donor intransferring a virtual property right.

Additional data to facilitate resolution of conflicting claims may bemaintained and updated in detailed data files 1405 related to 1388,including exemplary file records 1406, 1408, 1409. Additional data mayalso be maintained and updated in detailed data files 1410 related to1386, including exemplary file records 1412, 1414. Typical data entriesshowing status of transfers A-D are shown in the drawings. It will benoted in the exemplary data entries of file records 1408, 1409, 1412,1414 that “transfer A” is shown still pending, “transfer B” was denieddue to an unresolved conflict with an adverse claimant, and “transfer C”was denied, based on granting an adverse claim that resulted inapproving a transfer to the claimant instead of the originally designedsuccessor party. Of course, a variety of rules may be developed andrelied upon in order to seek a resolution of conflicting claims.

Referring to the high level flow chart of FIG. 48, an exemplary processembodiment 1500 provides a method of resolving virtual world propertyownership, including identifying a virtual world property right in amulti-player virtual world environment, which virtual world propertyright has been acquired by a real-world party (block 1501); establishingconfirmation that the real-world party is deceased (block 1502); and inresponse to said confirmation, transferring the virtual world propertyright to a designated successor party (block 1503).

Another exemplary process embodiment 1505 illustrated in FIG. 49provides a method of enabling transfer of a virtual world propertyright, including providing a procedure for transferring a virtual worldproperty right pursuant to authorization from a virtual world patron,which authorization is effective upon a real-world death of the virtualworld patron (block 1506). Additional process features includemaintaining a record of the authorization (1507), confirming thereal-world death of the virtual world patron (block 1508), andtransferring the virtual world property right to a successor partydesignated by the virtual world patron (block 1509).

The high level flow chart embodiment 1490 of FIG. 50 illustrates acomputer program product having encoded instructions for executing aprocess (block 1491) that provides a virtual world environment where aparticipant is enabled to interact with another participant or with anon-player entity (block 1492). The exemplary process furtherfacilitates an arrangement to transfer a virtual property right to adesignated successor party, which transfer is contingent upon areal-world death of the participant (block 1493); and also includesmaking a record of the arrangement to transfer (1494).

Referring to the more detailed process aspects 1510 illustrated in FIG.51, an exemplary process embodiment provides a resolution of virtualworld property ownership (block 1511). Such an embodiment may includeidentifying a virtual world property right which has been acquired by areal-world party (block 1512), establishing confirmation that thereal-world party is deceased (block 1502), and transferring the virtualworld property right to a designated successor party (block 1513). Anadditional process feature includes making a determination that thevirtual world property right is not subject to an adverse claim thatwould prevent transferring the virtual world property right to thedesignated successor party (block 1514).

Another aspect includes delaying or disqualifying said transferringbased on one or more of the following types of adverse claim or defect:real-world estate claim, real-world creditor claim, real-worldcontractual claim, real-world legal claim, real-world group claim,real-world family claim, prior real-world transfer, virtual world estateclaim, virtual world creditor claim, virtual world contractual claim,virtual world legal claim, virtual world family claim, prior virtualworld transfer, virtual world item expiration, item lost, itemdestroyed, item not separable, virtual world privilege expiration,voided right, rescinded right, forfeited right, item no longeridentifiable, right not separable, group right vetoed by group, right nolonger legally transferable, right no longer recognized, right no longerexercisable, erroneous death confirmation, forged authorization,improper authorization, misplaced authorization, jointly owned right,conflicting authorizations, transfer revoked, violation of oversightauthority, change of virtual attributes, existing right does not matchtransferred right, existing description does not match transferreddescription, and third party consent denied (block 1515). It is to beunderstood that some adverse claim may be disallowed without need ofinvestigation, others may be summarily granted, while certainconflicting claims may not be resolvable.

Additional possible features shown in FIG. 51 include providing avirtual world notice indicating that the real-world party associatedwith a specified virtual world character or participant has beenconfirmed as deceased (block 1518), and stating in the virtual worldnotice a deadline for receiving any adverse claim relating to thevirtual world property right of the specified virtual world character orparticipant (block 1520).

Some implementations may provide for a forfeiture or relinquishment ofthe virtual world property right in the event that the adverse claimcannot be resolved (block 1522), and may also include making an award ofthe virtual world property right to another party that is successful inmaking an adverse claim (block 1524).

Referring to the embodiments 1525 shown in FIG. 52, exemplary aspectsinclude previously described component features 1511, 1512, 1502, 1513.Other possible features shown include transferring the virtual worldproperty right to a virtual world successor party (block 1533), andrequiring a partial forfeiture by the VW successor party of a portion ofthe virtual world property right prior to said transferring (block1534). Another exemplary feature includes making accessible in areal-world environment a record that identifies the virtual worldproperty right and the designated successor party (block 1529). Arelated possible feature includes making accessible a record thatincludes an authorization for transferring and a date of theauthorization (block 1531).

Some implementations may make the record accessible to one or more ofthe following: owner of virtual-world environment, operator ofvirtual-world environment, real-world party donor, party selected bydonor, agent of donor, designated successor party, party selected bysuccessor party, approved representative of real-world party donor,approved representative of designated successor party, secondarybeneficiary, contingent beneficiary, joint beneficiary, parent ofsuccessor who is a minor, guardian of successor who is a minor, officerof successor entity, and officer of successor group (block 1532).

Further exemplary process features shown in FIG. 52 may includetransferring the virtual world property right to a real-world successorparty (block 1526), requiring a partial forfeiture by the RW successorparty of a portion of the virtual world property right prior to thetransferring (block 1527), and requiring the real-world successor partyto be a current participant in the virtual world environment beforeimplementing the transferring (block 1528).

The detailed flow chart of FIG. 53 shows embodiments 1535 that includepreviously described process features 1511, 1501, 1502, 1503 as well asvarious additional aspects relating to informational data records. Suchaspects include making a record of authorization for transferring (block1536). A related feature provides for making a further record thatidentifies the virtual world property right and the designated successorparty (block 1537), and maintaining the record of the authorization andthe further record as confidential for a period prior to saidestablishing that the real-world party is deceased (block 1538).

Other data record features may include making accessible in the virtualworld environment a record that identifies the virtual world propertyright and the designated successor party (block 1541), and making arecord accessible that includes an authorization for transferring and adate of authorization (block 1542).

Another possible data record feature includes making the recordaccessible in the virtual world environment to one or more of thefollowing: owner of virtual-world environment, operator of virtual-worldenvironment, real-world party donor, party selected by donor, agent ofdonor, designated successor party, party selected by successor party,approved representative of real-world party donor, approvedrepresentative of designated successor party, secondary beneficiary,contingent beneficiary, joint beneficiary, parent of successor who is aminor, guardian of successor who is a minor, officer of successorentity, and officer of successor group (block 1543). The extent ofaccessibility may be expanded or limited depending on the circumstances.

Referring to FIG. 54, a flow chart illustrating embodiments 1545includes previously identified process features 1512, 1502, 1513. Afurther possible feature includes making a record of the authorizationfor said transferring, which record of the authorization includes one ormore of the following transfer requirements: secondary beneficiary;group beneficiary, charitable beneficiary, joint beneficiaries,real-world party donor to be anonymous, disclose identity of real-worlddonor only after confirmation of death, subject to contingency,contingent on successor having attribute, contingent on successor nothaving attribute, contingent on successor having certain item,contingent on successor not having certain item, contingent on successorhaving related item, contingent on successor having right to acquirerelated item, contingent on successor having right to inherit relateditem, conditional transfer based on successor party's age, conditionaltransfer based on successor party's education, conditional transferbased on successor party's marital status, transfer conditional uponacceptance by successor party; transfer conditional upon timelyacceptance, transfer conditional upon inspection by successor party,collective transfer of all virtual property rights of real-world partydonor, transfer of multiple versions of the subject matter of theproperty right; authorize duplicate virtual attributes or aspects to betransferred; collective transfer of all virtual property rights torespective designated beneficiaries, transfer voided if successor partydeceased, further transferability not authorized; transfer to occur atgiven date even if real-world party donor still alive; transferconditional upon approval of third party; transfer made to trustee onbehalf of successor party, transfer made to trustee on behalf ofbeneficiary; liquidating virtual world property right prior to transfer,obtaining liquidated virtual world value as subject of transfer, andobtaining liquidated real-world value as subject of transfer (block1546). Other types of transfer requirements may be incorporated in aparticular virtual world environment, and the listings herein are by wayof example only.

Additional possible features include requiring something of real-worldvalue or virtual world value from the real-world party as considerationfor making an initial authorization or making a revised authorization(block 1547), and allowing the real-world party to revise a previousauthorization for the transferring (block 1548).

With respect to a possible revision of a transfer authorization, afurther process feature may allow the real-world party to make one ormore of the following types of authorization changes: revoke theauthorization; change the designated successor party; substitute one ormore new designated successor parties; change the virtual world propertyright; divide the virtual world property right; transfer multiplerights; transfer multiple items; add contingency; identify one or moreadditional virtual world property rights; change a beneficiary; add oneor more new beneficiaries; add secondary beneficiary; change arequirement; add one or more new requirements; add third partyauthorization; add joint owner authorization; and add groupauthorization (block 1549).

Additional exemplary embodiments 1550 as shown in the diagrams of FIG.55 include previously described process features 1506, 1507, 1508, 1509.Other possible process features include requiring something of value asconsideration for said transferring the virtual world property right(block 1551). Other exemplary features related to such consideration(e.g., fee, value token, vested right, etc.) include requiring somethingof real-world value from or on behalf of the virtual world patron (block1555), requiring something of virtual world value from or on behalf ofthe virtual world patron (block 1553), requiring something of real-worldvalue from the successor party or other beneficiary (block 1554), andrequiring something of virtual world value from the successor party orother beneficiary (block 1552).

Further possible features include sending one or more of the followingtypes of communication, notification or information request to thesuccessor party and/or other beneficiary regarding said transferring thevirtual world property right: identity confirmation; acceptance oftransfer; tendering required consideration; response deadline;confirmation of death of real-world party; applicable restriction;preliminary requirement; compliance with applicable restriction;non-compliance with applicable restriction; compliance with preliminaryrequirement; non-compliance with preliminary requirement; virtual worldstatus, attribute, level, possession, log, other contract, otherobligation, clan membership, group membership, relationship, skill, andavatar (block 1556).

Other related features may include sending such communication,notification or request prior to said confirming the real-world death(block 1557), or during a time period between said confirming thereal-world death and the transferring (block 1558).

Referring to the flow chart diagram of FIG. 56, an exemplaryimplementation 1560 is shown for enabling transfer of a virtual worldproperty right (block 1561). In addition to previously describedfeatures 1506, 1507, 1508, 1509, a further possible aspect includessending a communication to a representative of the deceased donor partyand/or to the successor party and/or to another beneficiary, whichcommunication includes notification of a preliminary requirement priorto said transferring (block 1562).

Another exemplary process features includes sending notification of oneor more of the following types of preliminary requirements: verificationof identity of the designated successor party; verification of age ofthe designated successor party; consent by designated successor party tovirtual world participation agreement; consent by designated successorparty to retain the virtual world property right for a given period oftime; and consent by designated successor party to pay a transfer fee,payment of fee, consent by real-world third party, consent by virtualworld third party, consent by real-world group, and consent by virtualworld group (block 1563).

An additional embodiment 1565 shown in FIG. 57 includes previouslydescribed process features 1506, 1507, 1508, 1509. Another exemplaryfeature provides a procedure for transferring the virtual world propertyright pursuant to authorization from one or more of the following typesof virtual world patrons: real-world person, real-world person undereighteen years of age, real-world person over eighteen years of age,real-world family, real-world group, real-world organization, real-worldentity, real-world third party, virtual world character, virtual worldgroup, virtual world player, virtual world participant, virtual worldowner, virtual world operator, and virtual world third party (block1566).

A further possible process feature includes transferring the virtualworld property right to one or more of the following types of successorparties: a real-world person, a real-world person under eighteen yearsof age, a real-world person over eighteen years of age, a real-worldfamily, a real-world group, a real-world organization, a real-worldentity, a real-world third party, a virtual world character, a virtualworld group, a virtual world player, a virtual world participant, avirtual world third party, virtual group at a virtual world location orsetting, real-world group in a particular real-world location,real-world group in a particular real-world region, active participantat particular real-world time, and active participant at particularvirtual world time (block 1567). Of course other types of successorparties may be selected, depending upon the desires of the donor entityand the applicability of any transferability rules or guidelines.

It will be understood that virtual world elements that may be subject totransferability include numerous rights to VW personality attributes,characteristics, skills, things, etc. as well as many different types ofrights acquired through diverse VW transactions, arrangements,achievements, experiences, etc. Accordingly the examples of such rightsas disclosed in the method, system, apparatus and computer productembodiments herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting.

It will be understood from the foregoing disclosure herein that avirtual reality environment may include a simulated world having amonetary system based on putative value symbols that constitute a mediumof exchange, wherein the simulated world allows a virtual worldarrangement to have a commitment for future payment of one or moreputative value symbols.

An aspect of the simulated world may allow a virtual world transactionsuch as a credit arrangement to provide for future payment of one ormore of the following types of value symbols: virtual currency, monetarychips, discount coupons, award points, access rights, entrance keys,experience medals, level permits, bonus vouchers, skill merits,character traits, health benefits, success awards, entrance tickets,authorization passes, eligibility credentials, benefit tokens, vestedrights, license permissions, decryption codes, bonus vouchers, testcertificates, game time credits, additional characters, control overother player characters, control over non-player characters, aliases,privacy levels, visibility levels, and disguises.

Another aspect of the simulated world may allow a VW arrangement toinclude a commitment by a debtor participant for future payment of avalue symbol that can be acquired in connection with one or more of thefollowing types of events or activities occurring in the simulatedworld: sports, races, competitions, combat, battles, survival,achievements, opportunities, challenges, character choices, training,academics, education, careers, jobs, journeys, attendance,entertainment, amusement, parties, shopping reading, calculating,analysis, healthcare, sharing communication, music, philanthropy,religion, socializing, companionship, dating, lovemaking, gambling,lotteries, tests, awards, gifts, barter, negotiations, sales, purchases,services, loans, journaling, record keeping, posting information,networking, and building. It will be understood from the disclosureherein that such events or activities occurring in the simulated worldincludes events or activities that occur wholly in the simulated worldas well as events or activities that are only initiated or partlypursued in the simulated world, or combinations of both of these.

The simulated world may provide a game environment for one or moreplayers, wherein a virtual world arrangement includes the acquisition ofone or more of the following types of things of potential value:products, services, items, virtual value tokens, virtual currency,monetary chips, discount coupons, award points, access rights, entrancekeys, experience medals, level permits, bonus vouchers, skill merits,character traits, health benefits, success awards, entrance tickets,authorization passes, eligibility credentials, benefit tokens, vestedrights, license permissions, decryption codes, bonus vouchers, and testcertificates.

A user interface communication link to the simulated world may in someimplementations enable a player or participant to be the obligorparticipant in a VW arrangement that includes an obligation for futurecompensation to be tendered in said simulated world by or on behalf ofthe obligor participant. In some exemplary embodiments the simulatedworld allows such an obligation for future compensation to betransferable by the obligor participant to another party.

In additional implementations, a user interface communication link tothe simulated world may enable a player or participant to be the obligorparticipant in a VW arrangement that includes a right for futurecompensation to be received in said simulated world by or on behalf of abeneficiary participant. In some exemplary embodiments the simulatedworld allows such a right for future compensation to be transferred bythe beneficiary participant to another party.

A further aspect of the disclosed system enables interaction in thesimulated world between the debtor participant and the creditorparticipant regarding one or more of the following activities: creatingthe credit arrangement, negotiating terms of the credit arrangement,revising the credit arrangement, resolving the credit arrangement,transferring the debtor's credit arrangement obligations, transferringthe creditor's credit arrangement rights, and terminating the creditarrangement.

Various embodiments of the simulated world allow the virtual worldarrangement to be based on a commitment with a real-world due date forresolution. In some embodiments, the virtual world arrangement may bebased on a commitment for future real-world compensation.

Another aspect of the disclosed system provides a simulated world thatallows the virtual world arrangement to include one or more of thefollowing penalties based on a failure of an obligor participant to keepone or more obligations of the credit arrangement: a penalty in thesimulated world, and a real-world penalty. Also some embodiments furtherallow the virtual world arrangement to include one or more of thefollowing benefits based on compliance by an obligor participant withone or more obligations of the credit arrangement: a benefit in thesimulated world, and a real-world benefit.

It will also be understood by those skilled in the art in view of thepresent disclosure that a user interface communication link to asimulated world may include login and logoff capability for the playerof participant, wherein a memory device maintains the record of thevirtual world arrangement after the player or participant has logged offor become dormant in the simulated world. Such a user interfacecommunication link may be accessible via wired and/or wireless links.

Some embodiments of the simulated world environment may include acommunication link that provides disclosure of sufficient informationnecessary to decrypt, decode, or otherwise obtain the identification ofa real-world person or real-world entity responsible for obligationsarising from the virtual world arrangement, as well as theidentification of a real-world person or entity having beneficiaryrights arising from the VW arrangement.

In some implementations, multiple players at different locations can usevirtual accounts and/or real world accounts for arranging or resolving avirtual world transaction. Some embodiments enable an obligation and/ora right arising from a virtual world transaction to be transferred toanother party, in some instances without having to obtain any permissionfor such transfer. In some embodiments such a transfer may be contingentupon a future event such as a real-world death and/or a virtualcharacter demise of one of the parties to the virtual world transaction.

Some embodiments of a computer implemented system include atransfer-related tag or flag associated with a patron, a transferableright, a designated successor party. A database may identify the patron,the transferable right, the transfer authorization, date of transfer,and the designated successor party in connection with an authorizedtransfer. Of course other data pertinent to the authorized transfer andany adverse claims may also be maintained and updated in a databasedepending on the circumstances.

Some system embodiments provide a database related to transferability ofvirtual world property or property rights, wherein a patron may haveread-only access or read/write access to the database records. Adesignated successor party may have real-only database access. An owneror operator of a virtual world may have read/write database access. Ofcourse other types of access may be provided based on the circumstances.

Computer program product implementations as well as system and processembodiments may allow a transfer to a VW successor party, and may alsoallow a transfer to a RW successor party.

It will be understood that process, system and computer program productembodiments as disclosed herein may include process instructions encodedon storage and/or signal transmission media accessible to multiplevirtual world patrons having logon capabilities at different locations.In addition such embodiments may include process instructions encoded onstorage and/or signal transmission media capable of functional operationon localized computer apparatus.

Method and system embodiments as disclosed herein provide transactionsand arrangements in virtual world environments. A user can participatein transactions to acquire virtual property and related virtual rights.In some implementations, real-world and virtual parties can be involvedin possible transfers of various types of virtual property and virtualproperty rights.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearingmedia used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signalbearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordabletype media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digitaltape, and computer memory; and transmission type media such as digitaland analog communication links using TDM or IP based communication links(e.g., packet links).

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modificationsmay be made without departing from the subject matter described hereinand its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are toencompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as arewithin the true spirit and scope of this subject matter describedherein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention isdefined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those withinthe art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in theappended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generallyintended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should beinterpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” shouldbe interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should beinterpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will befurther understood by those within the art that if a specific number ofan introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will beexplicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitationno such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, thefollowing appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases“at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations.However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply thatthe introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or“an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claimrecitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even whenthe same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “atleast one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or“an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one ormore”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used tointroduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number ofan introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled inthe art will recognize that such recitation should typically beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typicallymeans at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C”would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone,C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general sucha construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).

As a further definition of “open” terms in the present specification andclaims, it will be understood that usage of a language construction “Aor B” is generally interpreted as a non-exclusive “open term” meaning: Aalone, B alone, A and B together.

Although various features have been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments arepossible. Therefore, the spirit or scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

1.-54. (canceled)
 55. A system of enabling transfer of a virtual worldproperty right, comprising: means for identifying a virtual worldproperty right of a virtual world patron; means for providing aprocedure for transferring the virtual world property right pursuant toan authorization from the virtual world patron, which authorization iseffective upon a real-world death of the virtual world patron; means forstoring a record of the authorization; means for confirming thereal-world death of the virtual world patron; and means for transferringthe virtual world property right to a successor party designated by thevirtual world patron in the authorization.
 56. The system of claim 55,further comprising: requiring something of value as consideration forsaid transferring the virtual world property right.
 57. The system ofclaim 56, wherein said means for requiring something of value includes:means for requiring something of real-world value from or on behalf ofthe virtual world patron.
 58. The system of claim 56, wherein said meansfor requiring something of value includes: means for requiring somethingof virtual world value from or on behalf of the virtual world patron.59. The system of claim 56, wherein said means for requiring somethingof value includes: means for requiring something of real-world valuefrom the successor party or other beneficiary.
 60. The system of claim56, wherein said means for requiring something of value includes: meansfor requiring something of virtual world value from the successor partyor other beneficiary.
 61. The system of claim 55, further comprising:means for sending one or more of the following types of communication,notification or information request to the successor party and/or otherbeneficiary regarding said transferring the virtual world propertyright: identity confirmation; acceptance of transfer; tendering requiredconsideration; response deadline; confirmation of death of real-worldparty; applicable restriction; preliminary requirement; compliance withapplicable restriction; non-compliance with applicable restriction;compliance with preliminary requirement; non-compliance with preliminaryrequirement; virtual world status, attribute, level, possession, log,other contract, other obligation, clan membership, group membership,relationship, skill, and avatar.
 62. The system of claim 61, whereinsaid means for sending one or more types of communication includes:means for sending the communication, notification or request prior tosaid confirming the real-world death.
 63. The system of claim 61,wherein said means for sending the one or more types of communicationincludes: means for sending the communication, notification or requestduring a time period between said confirming the real-world death andsaid transferring.
 64. The system of claim 55, further comprising meansfor sending a communication to a representative of the deceased donorparty or to the successor party or to another beneficiary, whichcommunication includes notification of a preliminary requirement priorto said transferring.
 65. The system of claim 64, wherein said means forsending the communication includes: means for sending the notificationof one or more of the following types of preliminary requirements:verification of identity of the designated successor party; verificationof age of the designated successor party; consent by designatedsuccessor party to virtual world participation agreement; consent bydesignated successor party to retain the virtual world property rightfor a given period of time; and consent by designated successor party topay a transfer fee, payment of fee, consent by real-world third party,consent by virtual world third party, consent by real-world group, andconsent by virtual world group.
 66. The system of claim 55, wherein saidmeans for providing the procedure includes: means for providing theprocedure for transferring the virtual world property right pursuant toauthorization from one or more of the following types of virtual worldpatrons: real-world person, real-world person under eighteen years ofage, real-world person over eighteen years of age, real-world family,real-world group, real-world organization, real-world entity, real-worldthird party, virtual world character, virtual world group, virtual worldplayer, virtual world participant, virtual world owner, virtual worldoperator, and virtual world third party.
 67. The system of claim 55,wherein said means for transferring includes: means for transferring thevirtual world property right to one or more of the following types ofsuccessor parties: a real-world person, a real-world person undereighteen years of age, a real-world person over eighteen years of age, areal-world family, a real-world group, a real-world organization, areal-world entity, a real-world third party, a virtual world character,a virtual world group, a virtual world player, a virtual worldparticipant, a virtual world third party, virtual group at a virtualworld location or setting, real-world group in a particular real-worldlocation, real-world group in a particular real-world region, activeparticipant at particular real-world time, and active participant atparticular virtual world time.